The Wedding Feast of the Lamb: The Meaning of the Mass | Prof. Paul Gondreau
May 12, 2020
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Prof. Paul Gondreau discusses the significance of the Mass as the ultimate form of worship, contrasting pagan practices with the self-offering and supreme love expressed in the Mass. The symbolism in the book of Revelation and the Mass is explored, emphasizing the real presence of Christ and the theme of love. Recommendations for understanding the Book of Revelation are provided, along with a discussion on the importance of liturgical music and the symbolism of the Eucharist and marriage in biblical imagery.
Worship is inherent to human nature, leading to substitute forms if not directed towards God.
The Mass symbolizes a continuous offering of Jesus' perfect love, bridging earthly and heavenly realms.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Mass as a Form of Worship
The Mass is highlighted as the perfect form of human worship, combining elements of grace, thanksgiving, fellowship, atonement, and sacrifice. Human beings are depicted as inherently wired for worship and sacrifice, with the act of worship being a fundamental aspect of human nature. The speaker emphasizes that worship is a critical aspect of human existence, determining that if one does not worship God, they are inclined to substitute it with lesser alternatives such as political affiliations, ideologies, or sports.
The Symbolism of the Mass as an Expression of Love
The podcast delves into the concept of the Mass as a symbolic representation of God's superabundant, merciful love. It discusses how the Mass serves as a continuous offering of Jesus to the Father, depicting Jesus as both the priest who offers the sacrifice and the victim who embodies perfect, self-sacrificial love. The Mass is framed as a profound expression of divine love, bridging the earthly realm with the heavenly liturgy where participants behold and unite with God's abundant love.
The Wedding Supper of the Lamb and the Mass
The podcast explores the biblical imagery of the 'wedding supper of the lamb' as an emblematic portrayal of the final union of humanity with God. Drawing parallels between marriage and the Eucharist, the speaker discusses how the Bible uses marriage as a profound analogy for the spiritual union between humans and God. The episode connects the theme of a heavenly wedding feast with the sacred significance of the Mass, illustrating the profound relationship between human friendship, marriage, and divine communion.
Balancing Sacredness and Understanding in the Mass
The importance of maintaining sacredness and solemnity in the celebration of Mass is highlighted, emphasizing the transformative power of a well-conducted, reverent Mass. The podcast stresses that even if individuals, especially children, may not fully comprehend the intricate details of the Mass initially, the beauty and reverence of a well-executed liturgy can inspire curiosity and a deeper desire for understanding. It is suggested that the beauty and sacredness of the Mass can play a crucial role in drawing individuals closer to the spiritual significance of the Eucharist and fostering a deeper connection with God.
This lecture was given at Columbia University on February 12, 2020.
About the speaker: Prof. Gondreau earned his doctorate in sacred theology from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, writing under the renowned Thomist scholar Rev. JeanPierre Torrell, O.P. He is professor of theology at Providence College in Rhode Island, where he teaches/has taught courses on marriage, Christology, the theology of Thomas Aquinas, the Church, the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and the Catholic thought of J.R.R. Tolkien. He has a published manuscript on Christ's human passions in the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and has published numerous essays in the area of Thomistic Christology, Thomistic anthropology, a Thomistic account of human sexuality, and a Thomistic theology of disability. He is associate editor of the theological journal Nova et Vetera, and has served as a consultant to the USCCB's committee on marriage and family.
For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1
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