CHRISTIAN LIVING
THE EUCHARIST: MEMORIAL OF GOD'S PEOPLE
THE HOLY EUCHARIST= "This is my Body, this is my Blood given for you. Do this in my memory."(Luke 22:19). It is
the summit and source of Christian life and the centerpiece of the 7 ritual sacraments. It is the highest form of
worship. It is called the "Sacrament of love and bond of fraternal unity". It is the expression of God's love for us.
It was established during the Last Supper. "He who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal... For
my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.". It is the only sacrament mentioned in the 10 commandments.
*Jesus spoke of himself as "God's bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to t he world". He pointed
to himself as the "bread of life"(word of God that gives life) and the "living bread"(spoke more directly of the
Eucharist, flesh & body).
"He took bread and wine, gave thanks and praise to the Father, he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples."
FOUR SOLEMN ACTIONS:
Preparation of the Gifts (he took)
The Eucharistic Prayer (He gave thanks and praise)
Breaking of the Bread
Communion
*Jesus offered himself in the context of a meal. Meals not only nourish partakers but also bring persons together
as persons in mutual communication, understanding, and love. Meals nourish the spirits of persons- their
thinking, willing, loving spirits.
*The Eucharist has its origin in Jesus.
*The Eucharist was entrusted by Christ to the Church.
*The Eucharist is the memorial of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
*The Eucharist expresses the fullness of love shown in Jesus' total and unconditional gift of himself.
*The Eucharist does not only commemorate and relive the past; it also gives us a glimpse of the covenant meal
of God with God's people at the end of time.
MANNA= Bread that comes from heaven. It is from the Old Testament and was given by Moses. It is perishable,
a preparation for something better.
EUCHARIST= It is from the New Testament and was given by Jesus. It gives eternal life.
*Both the Manna and the Eucharist were given by God and is meant to provide nourishment for the people.
TRANSUBSTANTATION= Process of turning the bread and wine into the real body and blood of Christ during the
Eucharist.
2 PARTS OF THE MASS:
o Liturgy of the Word
o Liturgy of the Eucharist
SYMBOLISM:
1. EUCHARIST AS CHRIST'S PRESENCE= In a world where there is absence of relationships, Jesus in the
Eucharist answers the deep need for presence. In the celebration of the Mass, Jesus fulfills his promise
"I am with you always."
2. EUCHARIST AS SACRIFICE= In this context, we can appreciate why Jesus has given the Eucharist as his
sacrifice made present. Jesus calls us to commit ourselves to his mission of giving life to the world.
3. EUCHARIST AS COMMUNION
HOLY ORDERS: SHARING FULLY IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST
SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY ORDER= The mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be expressed in
the church until the end of time. It is one of the sacraments at the service of communion and the mission of the
faithful. It is directed towards the salvation of others.
*Jesus is the one and holy priest.
DIACONATE/DEACONS (service and assist bishops/priests)
PRESBYTERATE/PRIEST
EPISCOPATE/BISHOP
*The word "ORDER" means body, 'oridnatio'
COMMON PRIESTHOOD= Based on our baptism. Exercised by the unfolding of the baptismal grace- a life
of faith, hope, and charity.
MINISTERIAL PRIESTHOOD= By which Christ unceasingly builds his Church. (priests, bishops)
