The Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist - Part XII

We will now return to our study of the Liturgy of the Eucharist by taking a look at the final Eucharistic Prayer, number IV. We probably find this prayer used the least out of the four. It is not meant to be used on Sundays outside of Ordinary Time, and also isn’t conducive to adding names of saints during feast days. The prayer is based on the Anaphora of St. Basil the Great, an early Church Father from the fourth century.

One distinctive characteristic of this prayer is that it has its own Preface, which presents a summary of the history of salvation. After the Sanctus, a very beautiful prayer of thanksgiving begins. We praise the Father for creating everything in the world out of love, for forming us in God’s image and likeness, and for sending Jesus to accomplish the plan of salvation.

Following this, we find the epiclesis, in which there is a mention of the “eternal covenant,” the New Covenant sealed by Jesus’ death on the Cross. The Institution Narrative and Consecration come next. In the anamnesis that follows, the resurrection and ascension of Christ is highlighted. The second epiclesis makes mention of our participation in the Eucharist as a “living sacrifice.”

The prayer closes with Intercessions for the pope, the local bishop, the clergy, those gathered in the church and also all the faithful, as well as the deceased. There is in addition a prayerful hope to enter into “a heavenly inheritance” with all the saints and our Blessed Mother, concluding with the Final Doxology.

Note that while we have now covered all four main Eucharistic Prayers, there are also special ones for Reconciliation and Various Needs. But whichever prayer we happen to hear at Mass, may we more deeply meditate on the great gift Jesus gives us, his Real Presence in the Eucharist.

“Look, O Lord, upon the Sacrifice which you yourself have provided for your Church, and grant in your loving kindness to all who partake of this one Bread and one Chalice that, gathered into one body by the Holy Spirit, they may truly become a living sacrifice in Christ to the praise of your glory.” – Eucharistic Prayer IV, no. 122.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.