Christ. What there is over and
beyond these words we are to regard, in comparison with the words
of Christ, as we regard the monstrance[18] and corporal[19] in
comparison with the host and the sacrament itself; and these we
regard as nothing but additions for the reverent and seemly
administration of the sacrament. Now just as we regard the
monstrance, corporal and altar-cloths compared with the
sacrament, so we are to look upon all added words, works and
ceremonies of the mass compared with the words of Christ Himself,
in which He gives and ordains this testament. For if the mass or
sacrament were a sacrifice, we would have to say that it is a
mass and sacrifice when the sacrament is brought to the sick in
their home, or when those in health receive it in the church, and
that there are as many masses and sacrifices as the number of
those who approach the sacrament. If in this case it is not a
sacrifice, how is it a sacrifice in the hand of the priest, since
it is still one and the same sacrament, one and the same use, one
and the same benefit, and in all respects the same sacrament and
testament with all of us?

[Sidenote: The Spiritual Sacrifice in the Mass]

25. We should, therefore, give careful heed to this word
"sacrifice," that we do not presume to give God something in the
sacrament, when it is He who therein gives us all things. We
should bring spiritual sacrifices, since the external sacrifices
have ceased and have been changed into the gifts to churches,
monastic houses and charitable institutions. What sacrifices
then are we to offer? Ourselves, and all that we have, with
constant prayer, as we say: "Thy will be done on earth as in
heaven." [Matt. 6:10] Whereby we are to yield ourselves to the
will of God, that He may do with us what He will, according to
His own pleasure; in addition, we are to offer Him praise and
thanksgiving with our whole heart, for His unspeakable, sweet
grace and mercy, which He has promised and given us in this
sacrament. And although such a sacrifice occurs apart from the
mass, and should so occur, for it does not necessarily and
essentially belong to the mass, as has been said,[20] yet it is
more precious, more seemly, more mighty and also more acceptable
when it takes place with the multitude and in the assembly where
men provoke, move and inflame one another to press close to God,
and thereby attain without all doubt what they desire.

For so has Christ promised; where two