The Thomistic Institute 8 - Modern Theories Of Christ's Passion In The Mass | Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP
Apr 21, 2024
Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP, a theologian, discusses modern theories on Christ's Passion in the Mass. Topics include representations of Christ's passion, the transformative impact on believers, Lutherans' belief in Christ's omnipresence, Calvinists' focus on natures, Aquinas' teachings on divine virtue, and the application of Christ's passion to believers through sacraments.
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Mass As Representation And Application
- The classic Thomistic view treats the Mass as both representation and application of Calvary's sacrifice.
- Aquinas' double consecration makes Christ substantially present and mystically represents his separated body and blood while applying the merits of the Passion to the Church.
Risk Of Reducing Sacrifice To Conformity
- Interpreting 'represents' too strongly risks reducing the Mass to mere conformity to Christ's love rather than sacrificial efficacy.
- Coleman O'Neill emphasizes continuity of Christ's risen love acting now, which can minimize the active operative effect of the Passion itself.
Maritain And Merton On Calvary Being Present
- Jacques Maritain and others (e.g., de Soto, Merton) held the Mass renders the historical event of Calvary present to the worshipper.
- Merton describes God's eternity preserving the 'sphere' of Good Friday so the event can touch the present Mass.