For Catholics, the Mass is the source and summit of Christian worship. But some may wonder – is the Mass truly biblical?
A close examination of Scripture shows that the Mass has deep roots in the Bible and faithfully reflects the worship and sacrifice instituted by Christ.
The Mass is modeled on the Last Supper, where Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, and gave them to his disciples, saying “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” He then commanded the apostles to “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19-20).
In the Mass, the priest repeats these words of Jesus, called the words of institution. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are transformed into the real Body and Blood of Christ, just as they were at the Last Supper.
The Mass is a true sacrifice, the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
In the Old Testament, God commanded animal sacrifices to atone for sin. These pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross (Heb 9:11-14).
In the New Testament, Christ’s sacrifice is made present again in an unbloody manner through the Mass. As Scripture says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor 11:26)
The Mass also incorporates many biblical elements like readings from Scripture, psalms, prayers, and blessings. For example, the Sanctus prayer quotes the praise of the angels in Isaiah 6:3 and Matthew 21:9. The Gloria echoes the song of the angels at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:14.
Even the structure of the Mass, with its Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, parallels the two parts of Jewish synagogue services and the miracle of the loaves and fish in John 6.
Here are the verses for some parts of the Mass, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) translation:
Note: Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Introductory Rites
Sign of the Cross (Matthew 28:19)
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.”
Greeting (2 Corinthians 13:14)
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you.”
Penitential Act (1 John 1:9)
“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.”
Gloria (Luke 2:14)
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Collect (Ephesians 5:20)
“Give thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading (Old Testament) (Romans 15:4)
“For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
Responsorial Psalm (Colossians 3:16)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
Second Reading (New Testament) (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Gospel Acclamation (John 6:68)
“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”
Homily (2 Timothy 4:2)
“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.”
Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed) (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures.”
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts (Malachi 1:11)
“For from the rising of the sun to its setting, my name is great among the nations; Incense offerings are made to my name everywhere, and a pure offering; For my name is great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.”
Eucharistic Prayer (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.”
Consecration (Matthew 26:26-28)
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Memorial Acclamation (1 Corinthians 11:26)
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.”
Doxology (Romans 11:36)
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
“This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Sign of Peace (John 14:27)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Breaking of the Bread (Luke 24:35)
“Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
Communion (John 6:54-56)
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”
Prayer after Communion (Psalm 103:1-2)
“Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts.”
Concluding Rites
Final Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
“The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
Dismissal (Matthew 28:19-20)
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Far from being an invented tradition, the Mass has profound biblical roots. It is the worship given to us by Christ himself, where he becomes truly present and offers himself for us. The next time you are at Mass, listen closely – you will hear the very Word of God!