That sweeping statement is not justified by Cardinal Vaughan’s qualified doctrine. “So far as the practical effects upon the soul are concerned,” he writes, “the Holy Mass has in some senses the advantage over Calvary.” And he was quite right. No Catholics think that the Mass in itself is better than Calvary, for it is Calvary reapplied, depending upon and deriving all its value from Calvary. “As often as you do this,” said Christ, “you shall show the death of the Lord until He come.” And that death took place upon the Cross. Yet the Mass has this advantage that whilst the death of Christ upon the Cross-occurred in one place only and before a few people, Calvary re-applied in the Mass can occur in many places and before multitudes.
Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty
Historical language and viewpoints in the original collection are preserved. For current official teaching, consult the Catechism and the Holy See.
Report an error or ask the editor