E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

THE BREAKING OF THE HOST. 129
EXPLANATION OF THE BREAKING OF
THE HOST AND OF THE PRAYER.
In the separate Consecration under two kinds, the
Body and Blood of our Saviour appear to us distinct,
the separate Consecration represents the death of the
Victim caused by the separation of the Body and Blood.
The mingling of the two consecrated Elements expresses
figuratively that in reality the Body is not separated
from the Blood, nor the Blood from the Body, but that
under each Christ is whole and entire, one Victim and
one food. The mystical reunion of the Body and
Blood, through the consecrated particle falling into the
Chalice, is thought also to represent the glorious Resur
rection of Jesus Christ, when the Soul and Body were
united once again.
The priest as he drops the particle into the Chalice
says, May this mingling and consecration of the
Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be
to us that receive It effectual to eternal life.
These words have been variously explained. The best
explanation is to refer consecration to the thing con
secrated. The sense then is may this mingling of the
Christ be to us
consecrated Body and Blood of Jesus
effectual in gaining life. In the Ambrosian rite, the
priest says, May this mingling of the consecrated
Body and Blood of Jesus Christ be to us who
eat It and drink It unto life and joy everlasting.
J