Journal Whence spring those "fables and endless genealogies," and "unprofitable questions," and "words which spread like a cancer? " From all these, when the apostle would restrain us, he expressly names philosophy as that which he would have us be on our guard against. Writing to the Colossians, he says, "See that no one beguile you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and contrary to the wisdom of the Holy Ghost." He had been at Athens, and had in his interviews (with its philosophers) become acquainted with that human wisdom which pretends to know the truth, whilst it only corrupts it, and is itself divided into its own manifold heresies, by the variety of its mutually repugnant sects. What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? What between heretics and Christians? Our instruction comes from "the porch of Solomon," Who had himself taught that "the Lord should be sought in simplicity of heart." Away with all attempts to produce a mottled Christianity of Stoic, Platonic, and dialectic composition! We want no curious disputation after possessing Christ Jesus, no inquisition after enjoying the gospel! With our faith, we desire no further belief. –Tertullian. On the Prescription of the Heretics

The Eucharist Through the Age of the Church Sunday, when the first Christians met to “break bread” After 70 AD, Christians transferred Temple service of Scripture and prayer to the beginning of the Eucharistic meal Basic pattern of readings, homily, breaking bread and reception of the Eucharist evolved

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) Sacrosanctum Concilium reformed the liturgy; mass celebrated in the vernacular Benedict XVI issued a moto proprio allowing for a wider celebration of Tridentine mass

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

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.

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.

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.

Understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist Aristotle’s four causes: Material Form Efficient Final

Chapter 5 Test Partner up in groups of 2 (one group of 3). Pick a question from the Summa Theologica (Third Part, Q’s 73-83). Annotate the reading. Write a précis of the question (limit of 100 words per article average) Write a analysis of the question as a whole (limit 500 words)