Holy Eucharist
Transcript: The Eucharist commits us to the poor. Luke 22: 7-23 “This cup is the new covenant in “Take this all of my blood, which is you, and it eat. poured out for This is my body you.”Jesus took thebread, blessed given for you; doand broke, and this is memory ofgave it to his me.”disciples The more painful the experience of the divisions in the Church which break the common participation in the table of the Lord, the more urgent are our prayers to the Lord that the time of complete unity among all who believe in him may return. Paul the Apostle and the Lord's Supper The Eucharist gives us a living charity which wipes away venial sins. Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. Holy Communion separates us from sin. What happened when Our Lord said: "This is My body . . . this is My blood"? Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. Form of Holy Eucharist Minister Rituals in the Holy Eucharist The Eucharist preserves us from future mortal sins. Holy Eucharist What is the Holy Eucharist? In his First Epistle to the Corinthians (c 54-55), "The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me' To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren The flesh of the risen Christ increases our baptismal life of grace. “ Take this all of you and eat it; This is my body which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you and drink from it; This is the cup of my blood the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all men so that sins maybe forgiven. Do this in memory of me." Christ could not have used clearer, more explicit words than "This is My body." He did not say, "This is a sign of My body," or "This represents My body," but, "This is My body." On His word Christians know that the Holy Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ. Canon 900§1 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law provides: The only minister who, in the person of Christ, can bring into being the sacrament of the Eucharist, is a validly ordained priest. Matter of Holy Eucharist When did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before He died. The body of Christ we receive in Holy Communion is "given up for us," and the blood we drink "shed for the many for the forgiveness of sins." The more we share the life of Christ and progress in his friendship, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin. Canon 766 provides: The laity may be allowed to preach in a church or oratory if in certain circumstances it is necessary, or in particular cases it would be advantageous, according to the provisions of the Episcopal Conference.... Bishop and Priest The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. The Fruits of Holy Communion Bowing of Head Incensing Washing of Hands Preparation of host and wine, the offertory gifts Offertory prayer with hands crossed Kissing the altar Exchange of peace Consecration Words Ringing of Bell Epiclesis (Prayer of inviting the Holy Spirit) Elevation of the Bread Breaking of the Bread Receiving Communion Final Blessing Holy Communion wipes away venial sins. The unity of the Mystical Body: the Eucharist makes the Church. Bread and Wine Canon 907 provides: In the celebration of the Eucharist, deacons and lay persons are not permitted to say the prayers, especially the eucharistic prayer, nor to perform the actions which are proper to the celebrating priest. The word "Eucharist" means "Thanksgiving."(also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper) Biblical basis The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. In the Holy Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine, the Lord Christ is contained, offered, and received. The Eucharist and the unity of Christians. When Our Lord said, "This is My body," the entire substance of the bread was changed into His body; and when He said, "This is My blood," the entire substance of the wine was changed into His blood.