Holy Eucharist

THE SACRAMENT OF THE BODY AND BLOOD,

SOUL AND DIVINITY, OF JESUS CHRIST

Origin of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist originates from the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper when Jesus particularly said, Do this in Memory of Me. The New Testament points to four narratives of the Last Supper: Matthew 26:26-29; Luke: 22:14-20; Mark 14:22-25 and in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. However, John differed from the accounts, and instead, portrayed Jesus as He was washing His disciples feet. In addition, John emphasized Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Origin of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist was influenced by the Passover meal which is an important feast or ritual meal. It should be noted that the bread may be recalled in the Exodus event when the Jews received manna from heaven and that the final cup of wine recalls the Jewish hope in the future coming of Messiah.

Origin of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

Consequently, during the Last Supper, Jesus added a new meaning that He is the Word of God and the Messiah.

Etymology
The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word that means to give thanks. Jesus took the bread and then the cup of wine, He gave thanks to the Father, he broke the bread and gave the bread and cup of wine to His disciples. After these, He commanded His disciples to repeat the same actions and words the He spoke.

Etymology
Given this background, we can therefore say that the Eucharist is the memorial of Jesus ministry, passion, death, and resurrection.

The Didache
The Didache gave a clear description of how the Eucharist was to be celebrated:

On the dominical day of the Lord, come together to break bread and give thanks, after having, in addition, confessed your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure

First Apology
The First Apology was presented by Justin the Martyr. It states that On the day named after the sun, all who lived in the city or country side assemble in the same place The First Apology points to a Sunday worship that includes a liturgy of the Word taken from the OT and NT followed by a homily and a liturgy of the Eucharist with the offertory of bread and wine.

Transubstantiation
The bread and wine was substantially changed into the real Body and Blood of Christ, under the same appearances of bread and wine. During the Middle Ages, the teaching of Thomas Aquinas and the Council of Trent greatly influenced the Churchs theology on the Eucharist.

Its celebration today

The Eucharist begins with the congregation or assembly of faithful gathered together in the name of Jesus. The celebration is presided over by either a bishop or a priest who leads the faithful into prayer, proclaims the Word of God in the liturgy of the Eucharist; the presider also distributes holy communion to the faithful.

The Structure
Of the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Introductory Rites
It is the part of the Eucharistic celebration which disposes the assembly of the faithful into the heart of the celebration. We see the procession of the ministers into the altar. Then, the presider leads the congregation in the sign of the cross, the greetings, the penitential rites, Gloria and the Opening Prayer.

Liturgy of the Word

Listening to the Word of God, they grow in faith more conformed to the mind of Christ. The Liturgy celebrates the wonders of creation and gives thanks for the reality of redemption; it is a celebration not of what God has said, but of God today speaking to our hearts and souls.

Liturgy of the Word

The Hebrew Scriptures: The first reading is mostly chosen from the Old Testament and during some seasons the Book of Acts might be read. This reading usually harmonizes with the Gospel reading. This reveals the continuity between Israel and Jesus who comes not to replace but to fulfill Israel.

Liturgy of the Word

The Responsorial Psalm: The Psalm reflects themes in the readings. The Psalm consists of an antiphon. This is a vehicle of prayer and praise - an atmosphere of prayer within which the readings occur.

Liturgy of the Word

The Christian Scriptures: This reading is also referred to as the Epistle, is usually from one of the letters in the New Testament which may also include the Book of Acts or the Book of Revelations. While the letters address particular situations in the early Church, their message transcends the centuries to motivate contemporary Christians and deepen our appreciation of the mystery of Christ.

Liturgy of the Word

The Gospel Reading: The Gospel is the climax of the liturgy of the word. Catholic faith teaches that in proclaiming the Gospel, Christ is truly present to the community. For this reason the community stands to witness to Christs resurrection which allows him to be present to his people.

Liturgy of the Word

The Homily: faith comes through preaching.(Romans 3:13-15). This idea is rooted in Jewish belief that the creative power of Gods word transforms human life.

Liturgy of the Word

The Profession of Faith (the Creed): The Creed is a written profession summarizing the communitys search for an ever deepening understanding of Jesus and His message.

The Preparation of the Gifts

The gifts of bread and wine are placed at the back of the church before the service. The people then join in the giving their monetary offerings in support of their community and its various ministries.

It is a transitional rite which has the purpose to prepare the altar for the liturgy of the Eucharist.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

While the liturgy of the word focused upon the table of the Lords word-the lectern, the Eucharistic liturgy centers upon the altar-both a place of sacrifice as well as the table from which as Christians we are fed. The themes of sacrifice, thanksgiving and meal dominate.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Eucharistic Prayer: Now at the very heart of the Eucharist, this prayer in some aspect antedates Christianity itself. Preface we give thanks to God. Epiclesis the presider invokes God to send the Holy Spirit upon the gifts of bread and wine Institution Narrative to remember the words and actions of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Anamnesis commemorating the passion, resurrection and the glorious return of Christ. Intercessions where the congregation prays for the people.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Communion Rite: Communion expresses unity in the body of Christ. Through communion Christians are united with God in Christ and through Christ with one another in unity.

Bread
The Body of Christ

Amen

Wine
The Blood of Christ

Amen

Concluding Rites
These rites now focus upon the sending forth of the community. No sacrament exists as an end in itself. Christians are transformed and nourished in the sacraments to in turn become sacraments to the world.

Jesus
Therefore, is teaching the Church, nourished by His Body and Blood at the Eucharist, to be attentive to the needs of one another.