Abstract

BLANCO, Desiderio. The Rite of Mass as a Signifying Practice. Tóp. Sem [online]. 2008, n.20, pp.43-70. ISSN 2594-0619.

The rite of Mass develops as a signifying practice. Any signifying practice requires the presence and participation of a tangible body next to other bodies that are equally tangible. The rite of Mass, as a practice starts with the rite of breaking of the bread by Jesús Chist in the Last Súper. The closest testimonies give an account of the frequent repetition of that practice among the first Cristians. The tradition of a practice facilitates the repetition of successive enunciations, which leave their mark in the bodies that participate in it. The rite of Mass is inscribed in the space of the sacred. Habitually, that rite is carried out in the temple. The development of the rite reaches certain peaks of intensity, the highest and most surprising ásperas in the moment of consecration. The moderate slowness of the rite expresses the feeling of solemnity that the practice acquires. With the passing of centurias, the rite is transformed into Ruth (in "dogma") through the theological subtleties of Christian thinkers, starting with the "apostle" Paul.