THE ORIGINS OF THE EUCHARIST
The Catholic Sacrament celebrating the Eucharist, is referred to as the Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the bread and wine being believed to transubstantiate becoming the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. The origin of the Eucharist, comes from the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas; at the last supper. Christian’s and/or Catholic’s share a universal belief that Christ’s pure soul becoming one with us as he had instituted a sacrifice of His body and blood. The Lord knew that someone would dishonour his trust as he celebrated the Passover with his disciples, blessing bread and wine for the forgiveness of many sins.
‘26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body. 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”’ Matthew 26:26-29
TRANSUBSTANTIATION
Christ is present under all sacraments especially when we receive his grace though the Eucharist. Our faith believes in the term transubstantiation. This is the process in which the bread and wine coverts into the body and blood of Christ; the only thing left to be seen is the appearance of the substance of Eucharistic elements. The priest blesses the bread and wine which we consume, ultimately converting it to the body of Christ. This celebration has gained participation from many communities as we share the same belief of consuming Christ's self.
THE EUCHARIST AS BOTH MEAL AND SACRIFICE
Our messiah had died for the communion of sins. We take in turns to drink and eat his blood and body. His sacrifice was for our redemption as we progress towards joining the Kingdom of God as humble servants of his work. Just as he did at the Passover meal we continue to receive this sacrament as we remember his dying on the cross for us. Communion is not only remembering Jesus but it is taking his nourishment since the first time he broke the bread and poured the wine. It is following through with practicing his actions. At the consecration of the breaking of the bread and the blessing of the wine we say the words Jesus had when he shared the meal before his sacrifice.
Is this not the same movement as the Paschal meal of the risen Jesus with his disciples? Walking with them he explained the Scriptures to them; sitting with them at table "he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. -Catechism of the Catholic Church
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” -Luke 22:17-22
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
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