20. The Offertory Gift

Let us now look closer at the Table of the Eucharist and of the Offertory. Many people only go to Mass to get something out of it. Nevertheless, the most essential reason is for people to come to give. Why do we use bread and wine? The answer is simple, it is because Jesus used them at the Last Supper.

What is a gift? Usually the really important gifts we offer are intangible. However, we might use tangible things to express them. Flowers given to the sick express affection. However, such things can also be mighty poor gifts if we put little of ourselves into them. Yet, if your child made a Valentine for you with his crayons that looked like a heart in need of a bypass, you would be very much moved. The child is honestly and sincerely expressing himself. It has a deeper meaning than the world's greatest material treasures.

We have to be careful that we truly express ourselves. The words of the psalmist become not only ours, but Christ's: "Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, 'Behold I come; in the written scroll it is prescribed for me. To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart'" (Psalm 40:7-9). Behold I come. The Lord fitted a body to himself and came. This is Jesus. Sometimes the Old Testament sacrifices became "pro forma"; they were following the ritual, but not giving themselves. This danger also exists for us. Expressed through visible gifts, the invisible and ever-faithful Christ gives himself.