Contextualizing Luther’s Formula Missae 1523, and the Roman Canon Missae, then and now, and some possible ecumenical implications

Abstract

With the 500^th year of the Formula Missae (1523) in 2023, and the approaching 500^th of the Deutsche Messe (1526), it is an opportune time to revisit Luther’s objections to the Roman canon missae, and to revisit the ancient Roman Eucharistic prayer in the light of more recent studies, and also to consider Luther’s concept of gift in the light of present understanding of the term in Roman antiquity. With newer understandings, Luther’s form and the Roman canon missae can co-exist in an ecumenical world as identity-markers.