The Sacrifice of the Mass and Divine Service
Hello all, I am a Presbyterian considering converting to Catholicism or Lutheranism. I agree with the Lutheran doctrine of justification for the most part and appreciate the Law Gospel distinction, also Luther's view of vocation. But the biggest point I am struggling with is the Lutheran denial of the Catholic view of the Sacrifice of the Mass, which I see historically in the Fathers (Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr) and the Didache.
For example, from the Didache, "“Assemble on the Lord’s day, and break bread and offer the Eucharist; but first make confession of your faults, so that your sacrifice may be a pure one. Anyone who has a difference with his fellow is not to take part with you until he has been reconciled, so as to avoid any profanation of your sacrifice."
And also, Justin Martyr, after quoting Malachi 1:11, "He then speaks of those Gentiles, namely us [Christians] who in every place offer sacrifices to him, that is, the bread of the Eucharist and also the cup of the Eucharist” (Dialogue with Trypho the Jew 41 [A.D. 155])."
How do Lutherans reconcile this? I could see a reading in which confessing sins is so that praise (sacrifice) can be pure, but that seems like a weak reading. I am sure I am missing something here, but any help is appreciated. Thank you.