Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 180.

YOUCAT Question n. 180 - Why is the Mass sometimes referred to as a “worship service”?     

(Youcat answer) A worship service is in the first place a service that God performs for us—and only then is it our service offered to God. God gives himself to us under the form of holy signs—so that we might do the same: give ourselves unreservedly to him.     

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1187) The liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, head and body. Our high priest celebrates it unceasingly in the heavenly liturgy, with the holy Mother of God, the apostles, all the saints, and the multitude of those who have already entered the kingdom.   1187

Reflecting and meditating      

(Youcat comment) Jesus is there in Word and Sacrament—God is present. That is the first and most important thing about every liturgy. Only then do we enter the picture. Jesus sacrifices his life for us so that we might offer to him the spiritual sacrifice of our life. In the Eucharist, Christ gives himself to us, so that we might give ourselves to him. Thus we take part in the redeeming and transforming sacrifice of Christ. Our little life is burst open and led into the kingdom of God. God can live his life in our lives.    

(CCC Comment)     

(CCC 1188) In a liturgical celebration, the whole assembly is leitourgos, each member according to his own function. The baptismal priesthood is that of the whole Body of Christ. But some of the faithful are ordained through the sacrament of Holy Orders to represent Christ as head of the Body.          

(The next question is: Why are there so many signs and symbols in the liturgies?)