ABSTRACT
The Mass is a still-living mystery, the origins of which go back to early Christian times. It is hardly necessary to point out that it owes its vitality partly to its undoubted psychological efficacy, and that it is therefore a fit subject for psychological study. The author's psychological explanations are, of course, exclusively concerned with the symbolical expression. The author's exposition falls into four parts: in this introduction he indicates some of the New Testament sources of the Mass, with notes on its structure and significance. Secondly he recapitulates the sequence of events in the rite. Thirdly, he cites a parallel from pagan antiquity to the Christian symbolism of sacrifice and transformation: the visions of Zosimos. Finally, he attempts a psychological discussion of the sacrifice and transformation. Nor is the congregation standing behind him yet purged from sin, consecrated, and itself transformed into a sacrificial gift.
