The Liturgical Theology of Eucharistic Prayer II Contribution to the Study of the Ordinary of the Mass

Abstract

The Eucharistic Prayer constitutes the central moment and the summit of the Eucharistic celebration, and Eucharistic Prayer II stands out for combining brevity, expressive clarity, and theological depth. This study presents a theological-liturgical commentary on this prayer, analyzing its sources, its structure, and its significance for the liturgical life of the Church. The investigation takes as its point of departure the Traditio Apostolica, a third-century liturgical document attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, whose reconstruction in Latin, carried out by Bernard Botte, served as the basis for the formulation of Eucharistic Prayer II present in the Roman Missal. The method employed is that of liturgical theology. The comparative analysis between the primitive text, the Latin version of the Missale Romanum, and the translation of the Brazilian Roman Missal (2023) brought to light preserved elements, linguistic adaptations, and the structure of the principal sections: introductory dialogue, preface, Sanctus, post-Sanctus, epiclesis of consecration, the institution narrative and consecration, anamnesis, intercessions, concluding doxology, and the acclamations of the people. The results show that, although concise, Eucharistic Prayer II synthesizes the principal events and promises of the history of salvation, making present, in the liturgy, the redemptive work of Christ. By making present the Paschal Mystery, it orients the faithful toward an eschatological perspective and reinforces Christian life as a path toward eternal life in God. It is concluded that the prayer balances fidelity to tradition and pastoral adaptation, manifesting theological and liturgical richness, strengthening the communion of the faithful, and promoting conscious and fruitful participation in the Eucharistic celebration.