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Hmmm....

If the priest is there *offering* the *sacrifice* of Christ, doesn’t that mean he identifies more with the Roman centurions who who nailed Jesus to the cross than with....

whoever????

If the priest is there *offering* the *sacrifice* of Christ, doesn’t that mean he identifies more with the Roman centurions who who nailed Jesus to the cross than with....whoever????

You know, metmom, being obtuse is an option not an obligation. For someone who claims to have been a Catholic your comments sometimes suggest otherwise.

The liturgy, whether you call it the Mass (Catholic) or the Divine Liturgy (Orthodox) is the reenactment of the Mystery (aka the Last) Supper, as per Jesus' own words. Someone has to make the offering., someone other than the congregation, because Jesus was not "one of the guys" but set apart, commissioned.

The Church sets apart (ordains) people who "hear the call" as the ones who make the bloodless offering instead of Jesus personally, in place of Christ, as an icon of Christ.

That priest, however, is still human, sinful and in need of the Savior and Christ's offer applies to him too..."Eat, all of you, this is my Body..." The priest offers and partakes. What's so offensive, difficult to comprehend or funny about it?

Why do Protestants wave their hands in the air like those Khalimar worshipers in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"? Are they making sure God "sees" them? Trying to get his attention?

This is just an illustration how easy it is to ridicule something. I hope the Protestants have a better explanation.