Liturgy of the Eucharist: Presentation of the Gifts

As we continue learning about the different parts of the Holy Mass, we journey forward from the first half of the Mass, or the “Liturgy of the Word,” into the second half of the Mass which is called the “Liturgy of the Eucharist.” The Liturgy of the Eucharist is Jesus’ sacrifice being made present by the priest who carries out what Jesus did at the Last Supper.

We begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the Preparation of Gifts, which at one time was called the Offertory. The priest and people prepare for the Eucharistic Prayer which makes present Christ’s body and blood and his redeeming sacrifice. The altar is prepared and gifts of bread and wine are presented. This part of the Mass symbolizes a personal giving of one’s self to God. In years past, the Offertory typically consisted of gifts that actually came from one’s home or field and were made by hand. So, there was a very close connection between the sacrificial gifts and the individual giver. The same holds true with the presentation of our gifts in Mass today. When we offer bread and wine, or “fruit of the earth and work of human hands” as they are referred to in prayer later in the Mass, we offer back to God the gifts of creation.

We also offer money in the collection at this time of the Mass. Not simply a contribution to some good cause, it also expresses the giving of our lives to God. These offerings help us grow in sacrificial love. It is as if we bring our lives and our small sacrifices to the hands of Jesus Himself. The priest brings our gifts to the altar, which is the place where Christ’s sacrifice is made present. We can think of these offerings as our lives sacramentally joined to Jesus' sacrifice.