What is the significance of the Catholic Altar?
The altar is deeply significant in the Catholic liturgy, and it is rich with symbolism which draws from both the Old and New Testaments. Two principle scriptural images are linked with the altar:
- The altar of sacrifice in the Temple of Jerusalem, where the Jews would burn offerings of animals, grain, and other foods to God.
- The Last Supper table, where Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and dined together with his Apostles for the Passover meal before undergoing his Passion.
Notice the themes that are common to both of these images: sacrifice, ritual offering, and a meal.
Since an altar is a place of sacrifice, it also recalls the mystery of the Cross, which is where Jesus offered himself to the Father in sacrifice for us.
The altar also refers to Jesus himself (see Hebrews 13:10). Jesus is the priest, the altar, and the Lamb of sacrifice, all in one.
The altar is the centerpiece, the focal point of the eucharistic liturgy. All the “action” of the Mass seems to gather around the altar.
For all these reasons, the altar is an object of great holiness. When the altar is first erected in a church, it is consecrated with holy oil and a special rite to dedicate it to the worship of God.
Chris Cammarata
Disclaimer!
The views, thoughts, opinions presented here belong solely to the author and are not necessarily the official view of the Jesus youth movement.
Hi Chris, I like your ideas. They are so brilliant. I came across your write-up when I was reading little articles about the altar, especially those used in the catholic church. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I was equally reading other articles to deepen my knowledge about the altar as well. I share my own ideas on FB for anyone who might be willing to know or get inspired. God bless you.