A coworker has a sister in Germany who is a lifelong student of Catholic theology...completing a doctorate program. She's in her 60's. She came to the States a few weeks ago and my coworker (a RC) gave me the privilege of asking her how she would answer the charge that the Mass is contrary to scripture with it's notion of re-crucifying Christ (or "re-presenting" Him). This is her reply:

[color:"0000FF"]Thank you for your enquiry into Catholic teaching regarding the Eucharist. I think I can clear up your obvious misconceptions about the sacrifice of the Mass in a few short sentences.

Celebration of the Eucharist does not intend to re-create the suffering of Christ on the Cross, as you rightly point out quoting scripture.

Let me, for my part, quote Matthew 26, 29; Mark 14, 25; Luke 22, 16; and First Corinthians 11, 23-26. Since I have only a German language New Testament at hand I’ll let you look it up. Here we are told that Jesus is looking forward to celebrating the heavenly liturgy with His friends. This, of course, implies a timeless celebration, that is continuous and ongoing, not over and over again. Here on earth, we emulate this celebration in His memory. We partake of His Body and Blood which is changed from bread and wine through the offices of the Holy Spirit who guides and assists the priest. Of course there is no scientific explanation of transubstantiation, as it is called; we simply believe the words of our Savior. So, while the one true sacrifice was committed at a certain time in history on the cross at Golgotha, the celebration of the saving fruits of Christ’s sacrifice goes on - in the heavenly liturgy which transcends time and space; as well as in Holy Mass here on earth, where we are nourished with His Body and Blood. This heavenly liturgy of course includes all the faithful, the living, as well as the dead, since they are with God.[/color]

Any thoughts?

laz