Sharing our goods with those in need

 

offertory-procession - Catechist's Journey

It is a good and longstanding custom to offer our thoughts, actions, and prayers to God each day, for ourselves and for the whole world. This offering may be made at any moment, but it is especially fitting at the very beginning of the day. In that sense, it becomes the key that opens the day, just as our final offering and prayers before turning out the light in the evening are the lock that closes it.

Honouring the gifts of creation

 

In the offertory of the mass the bread and wine are taken, blessed and offered. They are not, yet, consecrated.  This part of the Eucharist is particularly important because it links directly the temple liturgy of the Hebrews with the Christian Eucharist.  The early celebration of the Eucharist among Jewish Christians shaped the mass as we know it today. The Jewish table blessings - Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu – are incorporated into a new celebration initiated by the Lord Jesus at the Last Supper.