Questions and answers: Section 23: The Eucharist
What is the significance of the Eucharist? It completes the sacraments of initiation. All the Church's sacraments and ministries are oriented to the Eucharist, "the source and summit of Christian life". In the Eucharist, the whole spiritual good of the Church (Christ himself) is contained (CCC 1324). See: Eucharist
By what other names is the Eucharist known? Eucharist (thanksgiving); Lord's Supper (memorializing the Last Supper); Sacrifice of the Mass (Christ's sacrifice is remembered and made present; Ita Missa Est--we are sent forth at the end of Mass); Holy and Divine Liturgy (center of all liturgy); Blessed Sacrament (sacrament of sacraments).
How can we best understand the mystery of the Eucharist? (a) Thanksgiving and praise to the Father; (b) sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body; (c) the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit ("in the unity of the Holy Spirit..." per ipsum)
What is the sign of the sacrament of the Eucharist? The bread and wine over which the words of consecration are spoken.
When did Jesus institute the Eucharist? At the Last Supper.
What was the significance of the Last Supper? Jesus promised to offer himself in sacrifice for all of us. He told his disciples to repeat this sacrificial ritual in memory of Him. This is the Mass which makes Jesus' death and resurrection present to us. See: "Is Jesus Sacrificed Again at Every Mass?"
In what ways are the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the Mass the same? In all three events the body and blood of Jesus are separated, indicating his death. In all three Jesus is the principal agent or priest (the presiding priest is the "alter Christus"). All three are done for the forgiveness of sin.
How are the Last Supper and the Mass the fulfillment of the ancient Jewish Feast of Passover? The Passover celebrated the deliverance of the Jews (Old Covenant) from death when the angel of death passed over their homes which had been marked with the blood of the sacrificial lamb and spared the lives of the first born. In the Mass we are reminded how we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God (New Covenant).
How do we know that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist? Jesus said that whoever ate his body and drank his blood would have eternal life (John 6:57-70). He meant this literally. His followers took his words literally, and some left him because they could not accept this teaching. See: "Is the Eucharist Truly the Body and Blood of Christ?"
To whom did Jesus give the power of changing bread and wine into his body and blood? To his priests in the sacrament of Holy Orders (Lk 22:14-20).
What happens when the priest pronounces the words “This is my body…this is my blood” over the bread and wine? The bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus (transubstantiation).
Does anything remain of the bread and wine after the words of consecration have been spoken? The appearances (sight, taste, smell, etc.) remain, although the bread and wine (substance) have become the body and blood of Jesus.
Are both the body and blood of Christ present under the appearances of bread alone? Jesus is totally present (body and blood) in both what appears to be bread and wine.
Section 24: Holy Communion
What is meant by the expression “Holy Communion”? The refers to the reception of the Eucharist. The reception of the Eucharist strengthens the union between Jesus and his members and between the member themselves. It brings about an intimate union with Jesus and with one another reflecting the intimate union of the Trinity.
Why are bread and wine appropriate material for Holy Communion? They are both staple foods for many. They symbolize the union of many (grains of wheat, grapes) to form one. They unify the human and the divine since they are both the fruit of human labor which will become the body and blood of Jesus.
When may we receive Holy Communion? Daily, most appropriately at Mass (except in case of illness).
How often may a person receive Holy Communion? Ordinarily once a day, except at special celebrations of other sacraments.
How does Jesus help us through Holy Communion? Jesus gives us: (a) an increase in the divine life of sanctifying grace and a deeper union with God; (b) an increase of faith, hope, and love; (c) a closer union with himself and with every member of the Church; (d) a pledge of our resurrection and our future glory; (e) the forgiveness of our daily sins and the grace to overcome our inclination to sin; (f) the promise of graces to help us love God and other more.
How does Holy Communion unite us with our neighbor? Sharing the same food symbolizes and deepens our union with one another. We share in the body and blood of Jesus which are the result of his self-sacrificing love. Then we are called to offer ourselves in self-sacrificing love to one another.
What effect does Holy Communion have upon our bodies? It lessens the difficulty we experience in bringing the impulses of the body under control. It help us grow in virtue.
How is Holy Communion a pledge of our future glory? Jesus promised to raise up on the last day those who eat his flesh and drink his blood (Jn 6:54).
How does Holy Communion remove our daily faults? It is a union based on love. If we enter this union properly disposed, Jesus will forgive our venial sins (see Decree on Frequent Communion).
What is required in order to receive Holy Communion? (a) a good intention--the desire to love God more; (b) freedom from mortal sin.
How can we make our reception of Holy Communion more fruitful? With a good preparation (active assistance at Mass, contrition, listening to the Word of God) before and a good thanksgiving (private prayer, recollection, communal singing and a commitment to love God and our neighbor) after receiving the Eucharist.
Is it necessary to go to confession before receiving Holy Communion? Only if one has committed a mortal sin. Regular Confession (weekly or monthly) of venial sins will help us grow in our relationship with God.
What kind of sin would it be to receive Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin? A very serious mortal sin called sacrilege.
How does the Eucharist act as Christ’s abiding presence among us? Jesus is present in the Eucharist which is reserved in the tabernacle of the Church. He is present there just as he is in heaven, except he can only be seen with the eyes of faith. During a benediction ceremony or during adoration a large consecrated host is placed in a monstrance to be worshipped and adored. At the end of the benediction ceremony, a priest blesses the faithful with the monstrance.
Why do we adore the Eucharist? Because Jesus, present in the Eucharist, is truly God. We genuflect or bow whenever we pass in front of the tabernacle as an act of adoration of God. During adoration when the consecrated host is exposed in the monstrance we normally genuflect with both knees.
Eucharist Experiences--sharing
Prayer: Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto thee,
That with thy saints I may praise thee
For ever and ever. Amen.