A “Catechism” for PISO PARA SA MISA NG MUNDO

1. What is “Piso para sa Misa nga Mundo”?
   It is a fund raising campaign to help defray the various expenses for holding the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu on January 24-31, 2016.

2. Why give a peso?
   A peso is considered as a small amount which would make it easier for many people especially the poorer members of our society to participate in the fund raising campaign.

   But one can always more ex abundantia cordis (from the abundance of one’s heart). Whatever amount is given (small or big), the attitude of generosity is most important since “God loves a cheerful giver” (cf.2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

3. What is the significance of the phrase “Misa ng Mundo”.
   Holy Sacrifice of the Mass or the Eucharistic is always for the life of the world. The following quote from the post synodal exhortation “Sacramentum Caritatis” of Pope Benedict XVI says:“

   The bread I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). In these words the Lord reveals the true meaning of the gift of his life for all people…each celebration of the Eucharist makes sacramentally present the gift that the crucified Lord made of his life, for us and for the whole world.” (n. 88, Sacramentum Caritatis)

4. Why it is important to participate in the piso para sa Misa ng Mundo” fund raising campaign?
   It is important to participate in this fund raising campaign because the Eucharistic as sharing is connected with sacrifice, service, solidarity and spirituality in our Christian life.
   1. Eucharist as Sacrifice
      Eucharist as sharing is connected with sacrifice. You cannot share if you do not break the bread and pour the wine.

      The breaking of bread and pouring of wine constitutes sacrifice. Much like a Christian, if he remains whole and does not break himself/herself will not be shared by others and cannot share with others.

      The material help that we provide in the Piso para sa Misa ng Mundo is part of breaking of ourselves in order to reach out to others.

   2. Eucharist as Service
      In the Last Supper, Jesus embodied this call to service by washing the feet of the apostles. Thus, the Eucharist is linked to service.

      The Eucharistic mystery thus gives rise to a service of charity towards neighbor, which ‘consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know!” (n. 88, Sacramentum Caritatis).

      Thus, the peso offering becomes an expression of charity or a loving response to serve the neighbor.

   3. Eucharist as Solidarity
      The Eucharistic bread is made up of wheat and the wine is made up of grapes gathered together.

      “The Eucharist is the sacrament of communion between brothers and sisters who allow themselves to be reconciled in Christ, who made of Jews and Pagans one people, tearing down the wall of hostility which divided them (cf. Ehp 2:14).” (n. 89, Sacramentum Caritatis).

      The small financial help being gathered in the Piso para sa Misa ng Mundo becomes a expression if this solidarity and a sign of unity.

   4. Eucharist as Spirituality
      Eucharist as spirituality leads to the “sanctification of the world and the protection of creation.”

      “Liturgy itself teaches us this, when, during the presentation of the gifts, the priest raises to God a prayer of blessing and petition over the bread and the wine, “Fruit of the Earth,” “Fruit of the vine.” and “work human hands.” With these words, the rite not only includes in our offering to God all human efforts and activity, but also leads us to see the world as God’s creation, which brings forth everything we need for our sustenance.” (n. 92 Sacramentum Caritatis).

      Thus the peso offering in this fund-raising represents not only the work of human hands but also the giftedness of God’s creation as sign of God’s providence.