In the preface to the canon we ascend with the angels, the saints and all the company of heaven into the kingdom of God. We fall down in adoration before the Lamb who was slain and lives forever. We sing with the angels and saints to the Thrice-Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Host! Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest!

We should believe that we have truly entered the Kingdom of God. We need to instruct our children and remind ourselves that at this point of the mass, the Kingdom of God is in our midst, that Christ, our God, is present to us, that ordinary bread and wine will become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. If we could convey with the help of the Holy Spirit, this awareness to ourselves and our children, the eyes of faith would reveal the deep meaning of the mass. We should come to mass expecting to meet God. Mass would not be boring for our children, but become what it is suppose to be: A participation in the mysteries of our salvation.

The Roman Canon or the 1st Eucharistic prayer begins by beseeching the father to bless and consecrate through His son the gifts we offer in sacrifice. (Remember, as we have said many times before, the Sacrifice is continuously offered from the offertory until after the consecration). It is important that we pause for a moment and reflect that the mass is offered "Through Jesus Christ." We can only approach the Father as His sons and daughters because Christ has paved the way with His precious Blood which washes away our sins and makes us worthy to enter the Holy of Holies and to offer Christ, our sacrifice.

As we approach the throne of Divine Mercy we mention those for whom we offer the sacrifice. We pray for the whole Catholic Church. As we have already noted the mass transcends time. Christ offered Himself once and for all at Calvary and the mass continues that one sacrifice in time. The mass also transcends space for at every mass the Catholic Church in the whole world is present and united in offering the sacrifice of the mass.

The Holy Catholic Church includes the Pope, our Bishop, those in the congregation who are offering the mass with us, those persons in special need of our prayers, and those who are near and dear to us. The Church also includes our Lady and all the saints. In the mass we are united to them in Christ, our life. The Apostles' Creed calls this the "communion of saints". The Church militant (on Earth), the Church triumphant (in Heaven) and the Church suffering (in Purgatory) are united to Christ and through Christ to one another. In the mass, heaven and earth are joined. The love of God in Christ which is revealed in the cross gives life to all who believe. The mass is the continuation of the sacrificial love of Christ crucifies. His love gives life eternal and is available to all who accept Him both the living and the dead.