2.3.6

Eucharist

Test yourself

The Eucharist

Most Christians consider the Eucharist to be a sacrament, a special means of receiving God’s grace instituted by Jesus. It has various names among different Christian Churches, including the Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy (in some Orthodox Churches), and the Mass.

Illustrative background for OriginsIllustrative background for Origins ?? "content

Origins

  • The Last Supper is the origin of the Christian celebration of the Eucharist, which the early Church celebrated as ‘the breaking of bread’ (Acts 2:42).
    • At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, shared them with his disciples saying that they should do the same in his memory (Luke 22:19).
  • The word Eucharist comes from the Greek and means ‘thanksgiving’ because the Gospels record that Jesus ‘gave thanks’ at the Last Supper.
Illustrative background for SundayIllustrative background for Sunday ?? "content

Sunday

  • Over time this celebration was particularly associated with ‘the Lord’s Day’, Sunday, the day set aside for Christians to unite in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
  • Today, some Churches only celebrate the Eucharist on a Sunday, but Catholic parishes, for example, celebrate the Mass almost every day.
  • For the Christian Churches that celebrate the Eucharist, it has become the principal weekly gathering of the Church community.
Illustrative background for ComponentsIllustrative background for Components ?? "content

Components

  • Over the centuries, the way in which the Eucharist is celebrated has changed and has become more elaborate in many circles.
  • The celebration can often include hymns and processions, and a rite of penance.
  • Usually, they will include prayers, as well as readings from and reflections on the Bible.
Illustrative background for CommunionIllustrative background for Communion ?? "content

Communion

  • The central element is when the priest or minister takes the bread and wine and blesses it with the words spoken by Jesus at The Last Supper.
  • Usually, all the Christians present will receive the bread and wine in an act called communion, because it unites the people with Christ and with each other.

Differing Beliefs Around the Eucharist

Different Churches within Christianity have differing beliefs about the Eucharist and what it resembles, particularly with regard to the Real Presence and Mass.

Illustrative background for The Real PresenceIllustrative background for The Real Presence ?? "content

The Real Presence

  • In the Catholic Church, there is the belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, the Real Presence, in a miracle called ‘transubstantiation’.
  • The Real Presence is also accepted by the Orthodox Churches, though they do not refer to the miracle as ‘transubstantiation’.
  • Protestant Churches reject belief in the Real Presence and believe that the bread and wine represent or symbolise the presence of Christ.
Illustrative background for MassIllustrative background for Mass ?? "content

Mass

  • Catholics and Orthodox Christians also refer to the Eucharist as the Sacrifice of the Mass, believing that the Mass is a renewal of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
  • This was also rejected by Protestants who teach that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was a single saving event that cannot be repeated and does not need to be repeated.
Illustrative background for Sharing between ChurchesIllustrative background for Sharing between Churches ?? "content

Sharing between Churches

  • Due to these different beliefs, not all Christian Churches share communion with all fellow Christians.
    • Catholics, for example, do not give communion to Protestants who do not believe in the Real Presence as Catholic theology argues that sharing in communion should be a sign of a shared belief.
    • Many Protestant Churches believe Jesus intended his followers to share communion as a way of uniting them.
Illustrative background for CeremoniesIllustrative background for Ceremonies ?? "content

Ceremonies

  • Because of these different interpretations, the Eucharist is sometimes celebrated with great reverence and ceremony, and sometimes just as a simple re-enactment of the ‘Lord’s Supper’ with minimal ceremony.
  • Some Christians, such as the Quakers, do not perform sacramental ceremonies such as the Eucharist, believing that the sacraments are an inward spiritual experience.

Jump to other topics

1Buddhism

2Christianity

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson