#163 Does the Mass Put Jesus Back on the Cross? - Joe Heschmeyer
Apr 17, 2025
auto_awesome
The podcast dives into the significance of the Eucharist in Catholicism, addressing misconceptions about the Mass being a recrucifixion of Christ. It clarifies the scriptural meaning behind 'It is finished,' revealing deeper layers of understanding related to Jesus's sacrifice. The discussion explores biblical sacrifices, especially the Passover, and emphasizes how the Eucharist connects to the Old Testament sacrificial system, enriching faith and worship for believers.
The Catholic understanding of the Eucharist as a re-presentation of Christ's singular sacrifice allows believers to participate meaningfully in redemption.
Contrary to some Protestant views, the Mass does not re-crucify Christ but connects believers to His original sacrifice through historical and theological continuity.
The continuity between the Last Supper and Jewish sacrificial practices emphasizes the Eucharist's role in deepening the relationship between God and believers.
Deep dives
Understanding the Eucharistic Sacrifice
The Catholic view of the Eucharist posits that it is not merely a memorial but a re-presentation of Christ's one sacrifice on the cross. This understanding hinges on the concept that the same Jesus who died once in a bloody manner is made present in an unbloody manner during the Mass. Many Protestants struggle with this idea, often confusing the Eucharist with the notion of repeatedly re-crucifying Christ. The key distinction lies in recognizing that while the sacrifice of Christ is singular, its representation during Mass provides a means for believers to participate in that original act of redemption.
Misconceptions About Sacrificial Language
Hebrews 7:27 states that Jesus offered himself once for all, which raises questions about the daily practice of the Mass in Catholicism. Some argue that this contradicts the idea of recurring sacrifices; however, this interpretation misses the essence of the biblical narrative surrounding sacrifice. Early Christians understood the Mass as a continuation of the Last Supper, where Christ established a new covenant rather than a new separate sacrifice. Clarifying this helps demonstrate that Catholics view every Mass as a participation in the singular event of Christ’s death, uniting believers with His sacrifice instead of reiterating it.
The Rich Tradition of Jewish Sacrifice
To grasp the Catholic view of the Eucharist, one must explore the Jewish sacrificial system, particularly the Passover and Yom Kippur rituals. These practices comprised multiple stages: selection, killing, application of the blood, and consumption of the flesh, all integral to the sacramental experience. It is significant that the act of eating was not an afterthought; rather, it was essential to the sacrifice, establishing communion with God. By connecting these ancient practices to the Last Supper, it becomes clear that through the Eucharist, believers continue to partake of the sacrifice in a meaningful way, respecting its historical and theological foundations.
The Role of the Last Supper in New Covenant Theology
The Last Supper is framed within the context of Jewish tradition and is crucial for understanding the significance of the Eucharist. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, reinterprets the Passover meal, presenting Himself as the true sacrificial offering whose blood establishes a new covenant. This connection highlights the belief that consuming Christ’s body and blood fosters a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing that this is not merely symbolic but profoundly transformative. The continuity between the Last Supper and the sacrificial practices of the Old Testament underscores the essence of Christian worship as one rooted in sacrifice and communion.
The Eucharist as the Fulfillment of Scriptural Promises
The Eucharist embodies the fulfillment of promises throughout scripture, particularly in the context of covenant relationships. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices involved blood and communal meals, the Eucharist serves as a contemporary enactment of these ancient rituals. St. Paul's letters elucidate the theme of participation in Christ’s sacrifice through the act of eating and drinking at the altar, reinforcing the idea that the Eucharist is a means of grace. Ultimately, understanding the Eucharistic act as an ongoing fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people enriches the participation of believers in worship, bridging the past with the present.
Some Protestants claim that Catholics try to “put Jesus back on the Cross,” at Mass, citing Scripture like “Once For All” or “It is Finished.” Joe explains why the Eucharist is necessary to complete Christ’s once for all Sacrifice.
Transcript:
Joe:
Welcome back, Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer and I want to wish you a happy holy Thursday as we commemorate the last supper of Jesus Christ in which he institutes the Eucharist and the priesthood. And I know many of you hearing that are already saying it’s not really what we believe in my t...
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
