MEETING JESUS IN THE SACRAMENTS CHAPTER 5 THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST Source and Summit The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Eucharist: to give thanks The Sacrament of the Eucharist completes Christian Initiation Source and Summit EUCHARIST The entire Mass, the Church s official form of worshipping the Father The consecrated Body and Blood of Christ that we receive during Communion 1
Other Names for the Sacrament of the Eucharist Lord s Supper Breaking of the Bread Eucharistic Assembly Memorial Holy Sacrifice Holy and Divine Liturgy Holy Communion Mass My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist Bread and wine are at the heart of the Eucharist The manna in the desert commemorated the Israelites liberation from Egypt. Jesus conversion of water to wine at the Cana wedding announced his mission. 2
The Institution of the Eucharist Jesus anticipated his own Passion and Death and interpreted them in terms of the Jewish Passover and its sacrifice. All of the Old Testament sacrifices were fulfilled and perfected in the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me... This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. The Eucharist Through the Age of the Church Sunday, when the first Christians met to break bread Basic pattern of readings, homily, breaking bread and reception of the Eucharist evolved After 70 AD, Christians transferred Temple service of Scripture and prayer to the beginning of the Eucharistic meal The Eucharist Through the Age of the Church Council of Trent established one uniform way of celebrating mass in the Western Church Tridentine (in Latin) Benedict XVI issued a moto proprio allowing for a wider celebration of Tridentine mass Sacrosanctum Concilium reformed the liturgy; mass celebrated in the vernacular 3
Understanding the Eucharist as a Sacrifice Each Mass is the presence in our midst of the one eternal sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross more than two thousand years ago. Christ s Presence in the Eucharist In the Body and Blood of Christ, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained. TRANSUBSTANTIATION Change of substance Celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist Introductory Rites Liturgy of the Word First Reading from Old Testament, Acts, or Revelation Responsorial Psalm Second Reading from New Testament letter Gospel reading Liturgy of the Eucharist Presentation of the Offering Eucharistic Prayer Communion Rite Dismissal Rite 4
Eucharistic Prayer Preface prayer of thanksgiving to the Father Sanctus Holy, Holy, Holy Epiclesis calling down of the Holy Spirit Words of Institution repeats the words of Christ at the Last Supper Anamnesis memorial Intercessions for all gathered; pope, bishop, clergy; Catholics in need; faithful departed Doxology reminder of our initiation into the life of the Trinity Great Amen so be it The Graces of Holy Communion Were not our hearts burning (within us) while he spoke to us? Unity with Christ Christ becomes a part of us We become a part of him. 5
Separation from Sin The more we share the life of Christ, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin. Becoming Church Every Eucharist helps us form and build the Church We can participate in the local parish. We can contribute in mission activity. We can animate our daily activity with Christian spirit. We can engage in evangelization. We can build community with the parish. We can help strengthen the unity of all Christians through prayer. To Be Eucharist to Others The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren. 6
Requirements for Formal Reception To prepare for reception, we must examine our conscience and be in a state of grace. We must fast for one hour prior to receiving. We Are Sent Missa: to send forth The priest sends us or commissions us to go out to the world in the name of Jesus and spread the Gospel into our daily lives. The Sunday Obligation A precept of the Church: on Sunday and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. 7
St. Juan Diego A man with an intense love for the Eucharist The Blessed Mother appeared to him First indigenous (native) American to become a saint 8