Introduction

In this section, Father Mike Schmitz introduces the topic of the altar and explains its significance in Catholicism.

The Significance of the Altar

• The center of every Catholic church is the altar.

• Christ is the sacrifice, priest, and altar.

• At the dedication of an altar, it is consecrated with holy water, chrism oil, and incense. It becomes a new creation that represents Christ himself.

Consecration of an Altar

In this section, Father Mike Schmitz explains how an altar is consecrated and draws parallels between baptism and the consecration of an altar.

Steps for Consecrating an Altar

• Blessing with holy water

• Anointing with chrism oil

• Covering with a white cloth

• Lighting candles around the altar

Parallels Between Baptism and Consecration of an Altar

• Both involve transforming something into a new creation through Christ's presence.

• Saint John Chrysostom says that after receiving Christ's body and blood on it, an altar becomes a new creation just like what happens at baptism to a child.

The Altar and Its Significance

This section discusses the significance of the altar in the church, its location, and what should be placed on it.

The Altar's Significance

• The early Christians celebrated mass on top of tombs in catacombs to remember the sacrifice made by martyrs.

• Relics of saints are placed under altars to remember those who have given their lives for Christ.

• Some altars don't have relics, but it is a recommended practice in the church.

What Should Be Placed on the Altar

• Only items needed during the Eucharistic sacrifice should be placed on the altar.

• A white cloth, altar cloth, missile, corporal, chalice, patent saborium are some examples of items that can be found on an altar.

• Many priests like to have a crucifix facing them as a focus for prayer.

The Altar as a Table and Place of Sacrifice

This section discusses how the altar is both a table and place of sacrifice.

The Last Supper

• During Mass we time travel back to Jesus' last supper with his apostles where he said "This is my body given up for you. This is my blood poured out for you."

• We also kneel at Calvary where Jesus poured out his blood for us.

The Altar as a Table and Place of Sacrifice

• Before Christianity, government buildings had an altar between governors/senators and people where sacrifices were made during big decisions.

• After Christianity happened this model was Christianized and our churches look much like these old senate buildings.

• Francis Chan, a Protestant minister, recognizes that the altar and sacrifice of Jesus should be at the center of our worship.

Conclusion

This section concludes the transcript by summarizing what was discussed about the altar and its significance in the church.

• The altar is not just a table but also a place of sacrifice.

• Relics of saints are placed under altars to remember those who have given their lives for Christ.

• Only items needed during the Eucharistic sacrifice should be placed on the altar.

• During Mass, we time travel back to Jesus' last supper with his apostles and kneel at Calvary where Jesus poured out his blood for us.

Reflection on 1 Peter 2:4

In this section, the speaker reflects on the meaning of 1 Peter 2:4 and how it relates to the sacredness of the altar in a church.

Living Stone and Cornerstone

• Christ is referred to as both the "living stone" and "cornerstone" in 1 Peter 2:4.

• The altar in a church can be seen as a cornerstone that holds everything together.

• We should not be cavalier about what we put on the altar because it is a sacred place where heaven meets earth.

Reverencing the Altar

• When attending mass, we should bow to the altar and genuflect to the tabernacle.

• We should imagine ourselves sitting around the table with Jesus at the Last Supper when we kneel before the altar.

• Remembering our own baptism can help us appreciate our new life through Christ.

Prayer and Blessing

• A prayer is offered to thank God for His sacrifice on the cross and for the Mass.

• The importance of accountability partners is emphasized, especially during Season Three of Formed.

• The blessing concludes with an encouragement to move towards Christ and run the race so as to win.