Brief Overview
- The early Christians celebrated Mass as a fulfillment of Jesus’ command at the Last Supper to “do this in remembrance of me.”
- This gathering, centered on the Eucharist, became a regular practice in the early Church, often held on Sundays.
- Saint Justin Martyr, a second-century Christian, provided a detailed account of these gatherings in his “First Apology,” written to the Roman Emperor.
- His description shows a structure similar to the modern Catholic Mass, including readings, prayers, and the Eucharistic celebration.
- The early Mass was a communal event, reflecting both worship and care for the needy within the community.
- This article explores these practices, offering a scholarly look at their roots and meaning in early Christianity.
Detailed Response
The Origins of the Early Christian Mass
The Mass, as celebrated by early Christians, traces its origins to the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist (Luke 22:19-20). This event, recorded in the Gospels, served as the foundation for Christian worship. The apostles, following Jesus’ instructions, continued this practice after his resurrection. The Acts of the Apostles notes that the first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). This breaking of bread refers to the Eucharistic celebration, a central act of their gatherings. Over time, this practice evolved into a structured liturgy, though it retained its core elements from the beginning. The early Christians saw the Mass as both a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a participation in his risen life. It was not merely a meal but a sacred act of communion with God. The regularity of these gatherings, especially on Sundays, reflected their belief in Christ’s resurrection on that day (John 20:1). Thus, the Mass became a defining feature of early Christian identity.
The Role of Sunday in Early Worship
Sunday held special significance for early Christians as the day of Christ’s resurrection (Mark 16:2). Saint Justin Martyr explains that they gathered on this day because it marked both the creation of the world and Jesus’ victory over death. This choice distinguished their worship from Jewish Sabbath observance, which occurred on Saturday. The shift to Sunday emphasized the new covenant established by Christ. Gatherings typically took place in homes or other private spaces due to the lack of formal churches in the earliest years. These meetings were communal, drawing together believers from various backgrounds. Justin notes that all, whether from cities or rural areas, assembled in one place. The focus on Sunday worship reinforced the resurrection’s centrality to their faith. It also provided a rhythm to their communal life, uniting them in prayer and the Eucharist. This practice laid the groundwork for the Church’s liturgical calendar.
The Structure of the Early Mass
Saint Justin Martyr’s account in his “First Apology” offers a clear outline of the early Mass. The gathering began with readings from the “memoirs of the apostles” (the Gospels) or the writings of the prophets. These scriptures formed the basis of their worship, connecting them to Jewish traditions while highlighting Christ’s fulfillment of the Law. After the readings, the presiding leader—often a priest or bishop—gave a homily, urging the community to live out the teachings they heard. This instructional moment was practical, aimed at shaping their moral and spiritual lives. Following this, the assembly stood for communal prayer, a time of intercession and thanksgiving. The Eucharistic rite then followed, with bread, wine, and water brought forward. The leader offered prayers and thanksgivings, and the people responded with “Amen,” signifying their agreement. This structure mirrors the modern Catholic Mass, with its Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Justin’s description shows a liturgy that was both orderly and participatory.
The Eucharistic Celebration
The Eucharist stood at the heart of the early Mass, as it does today. Justin describes how bread and wine, after being blessed, were distributed to those present. He emphasizes that this was no ordinary food but the flesh and blood of Christ, echoing Jesus’ words at the Last Supper (John 6:53-56). Early Christians believed that through this act, they were united with Christ’s sacrifice and nourished spiritually. The term “Eucharist,” from the Greek for “thanksgiving,” reflects the gratitude central to the rite. Only those who were baptized and living according to Christ’s teachings could partake, underscoring its sacredness. Deacons often took portions to those absent, such as the sick, ensuring the community remained connected. This distribution also highlights the early Church’s care for its members. The Eucharistic prayers were not fixed but offered “according to [the leader’s] ability,” suggesting some flexibility in expression. Yet, the core belief in Christ’s real presence remained constant (see CCC 1374).
Community and Charity in the Mass
The early Mass was not only a spiritual event but also a communal one with practical outcomes. Justin notes that after the Eucharist, a collection was taken from those able to give. These funds supported widows, orphans, the sick, prisoners, and strangers—anyone in need. This practice reflects the Church’s commitment to charity, rooted in Christ’s command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39). The presiding leader oversaw the distribution, ensuring resources reached those who required aid. This integration of worship and service distinguished Christian gatherings from other religious practices of the time. It also strengthened the bonds within the community, as members shared both faith and material support. The emphasis on caring for the marginalized aligned with the teachings of the apostles (James 1:27). Such actions were a public witness to their faith, especially in a hostile Roman society. The Mass, then, was a holistic experience of worship and solidarity.
The Role of Scripture in Worship
Scripture played a foundational role in the early Mass, as Justin’s account reveals. The writings of the prophets and apostles were read “as long as time permits,” indicating their importance. These texts provided instruction, encouragement, and a link to the Jewish heritage of the faith. The early Christians saw the Old Testament as pointing to Christ, while the Gospels and letters testified to his life and teachings. The presiding leader’s homily built on these readings, applying them to daily life. This practice ensured that the community remained rooted in God’s word. Unlike modern Masses with set readings, the early Church had flexibility in selection, though key texts like the Last Supper accounts were prominent (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The oral tradition of scripture was vital, as written copies were scarce. Listeners were active participants, expected to reflect and respond. This focus on scripture shaped the early liturgy and continues in the Church today (see CCC 1154).
Leadership in the Early Mass
The Mass required a leader, whom Justin calls the “president,” typically a bishop or priest. This figure guided the assembly through readings, prayers, and the Eucharistic rite. Early Christian communities relied on such leaders to maintain order and fidelity to apostolic teaching. The leader’s role included offering the Eucharistic prayers, a task requiring both spiritual authority and personal ability. While deacons assisted with practical tasks like distributing the Eucharist, the president held primary responsibility. This structure reflects the emerging hierarchy in the Church, as seen in the writings of Saint Ignatius of Antioch (d. circa 110). Ignatius stressed the importance of bishops in unifying the community and its worship. The leader also managed the collection for the poor, blending spiritual and administrative duties. This leadership model ensured continuity with the apostles’ practices. It remains a key feature of Catholic liturgy (see CCC 1348).
The Setting of Early Worship
Early Christians lacked dedicated churches, so Masses were held in homes or other private spaces. These settings fostered intimacy and community, though they limited the size of gatherings. The use of homes also reflected the Church’s underground status in a persecuting Roman Empire. Simple furnishings, like a table for the Eucharist, sufficed for worship. The lack of elaborate rituals or buildings kept the focus on the Eucharistic act itself. Over time, as the Church grew, larger spaces like basilicas emerged, but the home setting dominated the first centuries. This adaptability allowed the faith to spread despite opposition. The informal venues did not diminish the solemnity of the Mass, as Justin’s account attests. They also reinforced the familial nature of the Christian community. This context shaped the early liturgy’s simplicity and flexibility.
Belief in the Real Presence
A defining belief of the early Mass was the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Justin asserts that the blessed bread and wine were “the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” This conviction, drawn from Christ’s words (John 6:55), set Christian worship apart from symbolic meals. The early Christians rejected the idea that the Eucharist was mere bread or a simple memorial. Instead, they saw it as a transformative encounter with Christ’s sacrifice. This belief required faith and baptism for participation, emphasizing its sacred nature. The apostles’ teaching, preserved in the Gospels, supported this understanding (Matthew 26:26-28). The real presence gave the Mass its power to unite believers with Christ and each other. It also fueled debates with outsiders who misunderstood the practice. This doctrine remains central to Catholic teaching (see CCC 1376).
Participation of the Faithful
The early Mass was a participatory event, not a passive one. Justin describes how the people said “Amen” to affirm the Eucharistic prayers, showing their active role. They stood together in prayer, uniting their voices in worship. The communal nature of the gathering required engagement from all present. Those who could contribute to the collection did so willingly, supporting the community’s needs. The sharing of the Eucharist further deepened their bond as Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 10:17). Even the absent were included through the deacons’ efforts, extending participation beyond the assembly. This collective involvement reflected the Church as a living community, not just a ritual space. The faithful were expected to live out the Mass’s teachings, as the homily urged. This active role persists in the modern liturgy.
Continuity with Modern Catholic Mass
Justin’s description reveals striking similarities between the early Mass and today’s Catholic liturgy. The sequence of readings, homily, prayers, and Eucharist mirrors the current structure. The use of scripture and the focus on Christ’s presence remain unchanged. The communal aspect, including care for the needy, echoes the Church’s ongoing mission. While modern Masses have fixed prayers and larger settings, the essence is consistent. The early flexibility in prayers has given way to standardized texts, like the Roman Canon, for unity. Yet, the core elements—word, sacrifice, and community—endure. This continuity underscores the Mass as a living tradition, rooted in apostolic practice. The Catechism affirms this link, tying today’s worship to the early Church (see CCC 1345). Thus, the early Mass is both a historical event and a present reality.
Challenges Faced by Early Christians
Celebrating Mass in the early Church came with significant risks. Roman authorities often viewed Christian gatherings as subversive, leading to persecution. The Eucharist itself was misunderstood, with rumors of cannibalism circulating among pagans. This hostility forced secrecy, yet the faithful persisted in their worship. Meeting in homes provided some safety but limited outreach. Internal disputes, like those over leadership or doctrine, also tested the community. Despite these pressures, the Mass remained a source of strength and unity. The courage of early Christians preserved the liturgy through trials. Their commitment laid the foundation for the Church’s growth. This resilience highlights the Mass’s centrality to their faith.
Influence of Jewish Traditions
The early Mass drew heavily from Jewish worship, adapting it to a Christian context. The reading of scriptures paralleled synagogue practices, reflecting the Church’s Jewish roots. Prayers of thanksgiving echoed Jewish blessings over bread and wine. The Passover meal, which framed the Last Supper, shaped the Eucharistic rite (Exodus 12:14). Early Christians saw Christ as the new Passover lamb, fulfilling these traditions (1 Corinthians 5:7). The communal meal aspect also resembled Jewish fellowship gatherings. However, the focus on Christ’s sacrifice marked a distinct shift. This blend of continuity and innovation defined the early liturgy. It allowed the Church to appeal to Jewish converts while asserting a new identity. The Mass thus emerged as a bridge between the old and new covenants.
The Spread of the Mass
As Christianity expanded, so did the practice of the Mass. Missionaries like Paul carried the Eucharistic celebration to Gentile regions (Acts 20:7). Local communities adapted the liturgy to their cultures while preserving its core. The Sunday gathering became a universal marker of Christian life. Persecution did not halt this spread; instead, it often deepened commitment. The Mass’s simplicity made it portable, requiring only bread, wine, and a leader. By the second century, as Justin shows, it was well-established across the Roman world. This growth reflected the Church’s missionary zeal and the Eucharist’s unifying power. The liturgy’s consistency across regions strengthened the early Church’s cohesion. It remains a global practice today, tracing back to these origins.
Theological Significance of the Early Mass
Theologically, the early Mass expressed key Christian beliefs. It affirmed Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection as the basis of salvation (Philippians 2:6-11). The Eucharist made these events present, not just remembered. The real presence doctrine underscored God’s closeness to humanity. The communal aspect reflected the Church as Christ’s body, united in worship (Ephesians 4:4-6). The offering for the poor embodied the call to love in action. The Mass also anticipated Christ’s return, a hope rooted in his promise (Matthew 26:29). Early Christians saw it as both a sacrifice and a foretaste of heaven. This rich theology shaped their understanding of faith. It continues to inform Catholic doctrine (see CCC 1323).
Evolution Over Time
While the early Mass’s essentials persisted, changes occurred as the Church matured. Fixed prayers, like the Eucharistic canons, emerged by the fourth century for consistency. Larger congregations necessitated dedicated buildings, shifting from homes to basilicas. Vestments and rituals grew more elaborate, reflecting cultural influences. The liturgical calendar expanded, adding feasts like Christmas and Easter. Yet, the core structure—readings, prayers, and Eucharist—remained intact. These developments responded to the Church’s growth and legalization under Constantine. The early simplicity gave way to a more formal liturgy, but the apostolic foundation endured. The Mass adapted without losing its identity. This balance of tradition and change defines its history.
The Mass as a Witness
The early Mass was a bold statement of faith in a skeptical world. Its focus on Christ’s sacrifice challenged Roman paganism and Jewish exclusivism. The care for the poor defied societal norms, drawing attention to Christian values. Persecuted believers found strength in the Eucharist, facing death with hope. This witness attracted converts, as Justin’s apology aimed to show. The Mass’s public nature, even in secret, proclaimed the gospel. It embodied the Church’s mission to be a light to the nations (Matthew 5:14). The resilience of this practice under pressure proved its power. Its legacy shaped Christianity’s spread and endurance. Today, it remains a testament to those early roots.
Conclusion: A Living Tradition
The Mass of the early Christians was a simple yet profound act of worship. It combined scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist in a communal setting. Rooted in Christ’s command and the apostles’ practice, it defined their faith. Despite persecution and limited resources, they preserved this liturgy with fidelity. Its structure and beliefs align closely with the modern Catholic Mass. The emphasis on Christ’s presence and community care remains unchanged. The early Mass was both a historical event and a foundation for today’s Church. It reflects a faith that adapts yet holds fast to its origins. Studying it offers insight into the Church’s past and present. Ultimately, it reveals a tradition that continues to shape Christian life (see CCC 1347).