What is the Eucharistic Sacrifice?
The Eucharistic Sacrifice is, in essence, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (CCC 1366-1367). When Jesus offered his body and blood at the last Supper, he had not yet offered himself on the cross, but he was in essence offering the same sacrifice as on the cross. Since Christ’s sacrifice on the cross transcends time and is present in every age, that one and same sacrifice can be offered up on behalf of the people by the priest. Catholics, in essence, offer up Jesus all the while being united to him. (FCD 468).
