– to show God that he is grateful for all His love. This the People of God do in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is also called the Eucharist – which means simply to give thanks.

This is the central act of Christianity. It is thanking God for all the riches He has given us. But it is not simply a prayer that each one says by himself or herself, relying on one’s own strength alone.

It is instead, a community action in which all of us together in Christ and with Christ offer our whole life with His life to the Father. Then to show His acceptance of our offering, the Father gives us the body of His Son in the form of bread, the prasad, to be the food of our souls. In the Mass we can truly say with Saint Paul , “I live now, not I, but Christ lives in me.”

Christ is not dead, for He lives on in His Church to give life to all who come to Him. And in His Church, His central action is the Sacrifice of the Mass where He offers Himself and the whole People of God with Him to the Father in a most wonderful act of thanksgiving and worship to God whose love for us all is wider than the whole universe.

It is time to stop and think quietly about Christ and His church, the People of God. Does this idea of the People of God mean anything to me? Do I need to offer sacrifice? Do I need the Bread of Life to strengthen me in my journey through life?

A PRAYER

Lord, again these are tremendous claims that are made.

Is it possible that Christ lives on in His Church?

Is it possible that You have a special people of your own?

It is certain, I know that I have much to thank You for...

I do wish to thank You.

Can I thank You, with Christ, in the Sacrifice of the Mass?

Is it possible that Your Son should give me a new life, by sharing His flesh and His blood?

Lord, these are questions that touch the depths of my heart.

Give me the light to see clearly.

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Question Paper 3 : Booklets 7 & 8