VI. The preparation of the gifts
Priest: Pray brethren (brothers and sisters, et al) that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
Congregation: “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his holy church”.
The reality is that the Eucharist is both the priest’s and the layperson’s sacrifice to God- for it is a prayer of thanksgiving. There is connectivity between the sacrifice that will be offered on the altar and the prayers and interior disposition in the hearts of those gathered. We not only want God to accept the bread and wine that the priest will over, we also want him to accept the contents of our hearts and minds. We want the Father to bless both, and make them holy.
The Church in Heaven is already Holy; the one on earth is still on the way. Ultimately though, both ‘churches’, the one in Heaven and the one on earth, offer this Eucharist together, and God renews both in holiness and life and grace.
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