'Let all the Angels of God adore Him' (Hebr. i. 6). In order to show due honor to the Blessed Sacrament, the Church exposes it for public adoration, gives Benediction with it, carries it reverently about in solemn procession, has established Feasts and Confraternities (of the Most Holy Sacrament, of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and others). As an emblem of adoration and love, a lamp is kept burning day and night before the altar where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle.
17. Is Christ present in the Holy Eucharist only that He may be also as man with us?
He is also present for two other reasons:
1. That He may offer Himself for us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; and
2. That in Holy Communion He may give Himself to us for the nourishment of our souls.
Application. Rejoice that our Lord and Saviour is pleased to remain in the Blessed Sacrament amongst us to the end of the world. Thank Him for this exceedingly great favor; love Him, and visit Him often and with devotion. Pour out all your sufferings before this amiable Comforter, and have full confidence in His help; for He Himself invites you, saying: 'Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you' (Matt. xi. 28).
§ 2. On the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
18. What is a Sacrifice?
A Sacrifice is that first and highest act of Religion, in which a duly authorized person offers to God some sensible thing which is visibly immolated either physically or mystically, in token and acknowledgment of God's supreme dominion over all things and of our total dependence on Him.
He who sacrifices is styled a priest; the sensible thing which is sacrificed is called the victim; the place where it is sacrificed is the altar. These four — priest, victim, altar, and sacrifice — are inseparable. Each one of them calls for the others.
