The Eucharist Source and Summit of the Christian Life USCCA Chapter 17 Thursday, April 20, 2017

Instituted the Eucharist as a memorial of His death and Resurrection. April 20, 2017 The Eucharist, the third Sacrament of initiation, is the culmination of all the Sacraments of the Church. Jesus: Instituted the Eucharist as a memorial of His death and Resurrection. Commanded the Apostles to celebrate the Eucharist until His return in glory. 2

The Eucharist was prefigured through: April 20, 2017 The Eucharist was prefigured through: The use of bread and wine in the offering of Melchizedek. The eating of the lamb, bread and drinking of wine in the Passover meal. Jesus’ changing of water into wine at the wedding of Cana. 3

The Eucharist was prefigured through: April 20, 2017 The Eucharist was prefigured through: Jesus’ miracles of the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life. 4

April 20, 2017 Jesus instituted the celebration of the Eucharist at the Passover feast of the Last Supper. By instituting the Eucharist, Jesus gives the Passover meal its new and definitive meaning. Jesus is the High Priest of the New Covenant, offering Himself as its perfect sacrifice. 5

April 20, 2017 Jesus instituted the celebration of the Eucharist at the Passover feast of the Last Supper. Jesus commanded the Apostles and their successors to repeat His actions and words. Sunday, the day of the Resurrection of Jesus, is the Christian Sabbath and the preeminent day for the celebration of the Eucharist. 6

a. The Introductory Rites. b. The Liturgy of the Word. April 20, 2017 The structure of the Mass (or Eucharistic Liturgy) was in place by the Second Century. The parts of the Mass are: a. The Introductory Rites. b. The Liturgy of the Word. c. The Liturgy of the Eucharist. d. The Concluding Rite. 7

The Mass makes Christ’s offering present to us in an unbloody manner. April 20, 2017 The Mass, as sacrifice, makes present sacramentally Jesus’ saving and sacrificial death on the Cross. The Mass is a memorial, not just a recollection of a past event but an actual making present of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. The Mass makes Christ’s offering present to us in an unbloody manner.

April 20, 2017 The Mass, as sacrifice, makes present sacramentally Jesus’ saving and sacrificial death on the Cross. The Mass is the sacrifice of the Church, in which the faithful offer their lives to the Father, united with the offering of Christ. The Mass unites the members of Christ’s Body on earth with those in heaven.

With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: April 20, 2017 With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: Bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful eat the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful must receive the Sacrament of Penance if they are conscious of having committed a mortal sin.

With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: April 20, 2017 With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: The faithful are expected to fast from food or drink (excluding water) one hour before receiving the Eucharist. The faithful are obligated to receive the Eucharist once per year at some time between the First Sunday of Lent through Trinity Sunday.

With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: April 20, 2017 With its roots in the Passover meal, the Mass is a holy meal in which: Christ is fully present under either of the Eucharistic species. Our union with Christ is strengthened.

Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: April 20, 2017 Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: In the proclamation of the Scriptures. In the assembly of the baptized. In the person of the priest.

Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: April 20, 2017 Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: In a unique way in the Eucharist. The Eucharist contains the Real Presence of Christ, in that He is fully and substantially present in it. ‘Transubstantiation’ means that while the appearance (or accidents) of the bread and wine are unchanged, the substance (underlying reality) is no longer bread and wine but the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: April 20, 2017 Christ is present in the liturgy as follows: The Real Presence of Christ continues in the consecrated elements even after the end of Mass. As a sign of adoration, Catholics are to genuflect toward the tabernacle when entering a church.

The reception of Holy Communion increases our union with Jesus. April 20, 2017 Through participation in the Eucharist, we participate in the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Christ’s victory over sin and death is made present to those who participate in the Eucharist. The reception of Holy Communion increases our union with Jesus. Holy Communion separates us from sin, intensifying our love for God, weakening and often breaking our attachment to sin, and wiping away venial sin.

The Eucharist commits us to care for the poor. April 20, 2017 Through participation in the Eucharist, we participate in the Paschal Mystery of Christ. The Eucharist commits us to care for the poor. When unable to receive the Eucharist physically, one can make an act of spiritual communion, asking for the graces of the Eucharist without physically receiving it.

Through the Eucharist, God is within us, and we are in God. April 20, 2017 Through active participation, the Eucharist transforms the faithful to be more Christ-like. Active participation begins with interior, spiritual conversion, in which a person learns to offer his or her life to the Father through Christ. Through the Eucharist, God is within us, and we are in God.

April 20, 2017 For Discussion: Describe ways you can prepare for the celebration of the Eucharist, both on an individual level and, if possible, with your family/community. As Bld. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez promoted a love for the Eucharist in his lifetime, what can you do to help others better love and participate in the Eucharistic celebration? Review the ‘Guidelines for the Reception of Communion’ on p. 231 of the USCCA.