The Mass of all Ages

‘St. Justin wrote to the pagan emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161) around the year 155,’ describing the Eucharistic Celebration:

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place.

The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.

When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.

Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves … and for all others, wherever they may be (CCC 1345).

Why prayers of intercession during Mass?

Quite simple really. Profound too:

Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did. He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men and women, especially sinners (CCC 2634).

We are participating in the prayer of Jesus when we intercede for others:

First of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone – petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving – and especially for kings and others in authority (1 Timothy 2).

At the Mass of all Ages we unlock our hearts for others.

Amen.