Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Eucharist and the Passover

The Passover is the yearly festival that commemorates the “passing over” of the Israelite people from their slavery in Egypt to freedom.

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) portray the Last Supper as the Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples.

Jesus broke tradition, saying “This is my body, which is given up for you”…”This is my blood, which will be poured out for you. Do this in memory of me”.

The Eucharist and the Passover

Therefore Jesus becomes the new Passover lamb Jesus was put to death by human sin, which is conquered and was brought to new life through his resurrection.

Jesus is the New Covenant (promise) in whose life, death and resurrection Christians become the people of God.

The sacrifice of the Eucharist, which Jesus told his disciples to celebrate in his memory, is offered as food to strengthen Christians through their life’s journey.

The Eucharist in the Early Church

The earliest reference to the Eucharist is found in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, around 55AD.

Paul’s letter indicates that the Eucharist, ‘breaking of the bread’ was a significant aspect of early Christian communities.

Activity: Write down 4 ways that early

Christian communities celebrated the Eucharist. See page 167 of textbook.

The Eucharist and the Basilica During the early 4th Century, Christian

communities began to grow and build basilicas to celebrate the Eucharist.

Below are some ruins of early Christian basilicas

The Eucharist in the Middle Ages

During this period, many adherents felt unworthy to receive the Eucharist and therefore only had it on special occasion. As a result in 1215AD it became obligatory for Catholics to receive Communion at least once a year at Easter.

The whole mass was said in Latin, so those who could not understand the mass then became to look for other ways to worship.

Activity: Visit the following website, write a 5 point summary and

answer the questions under ‘reflection’ http://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/explore/dsp-

content.cfm?loadref=64

The Eucharist and the Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council emphasized the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist in the form of the bread and wine, but likewise Christ is present in: The priest who celebrates the Eucharist The Scripture that is read aloud The gathered community

Activity: What were the changes to liturgy from Second

Vatican Council, see page 172-173 of textbook.

Activity Activity:

Define ‘consecrated’. What does the ‘Real Presence’ of Christ in the

Eucharist mean? Draw a timeline in your workbook showing the

development and changes to the celebration of the Eucharist. Make note of any similarities/differences that have occurred.

Comparison Table

Early Christian Community

Middle Ages

Second Vatian Council

Today

Changes to Mass

Changes to the celebration of the Eucharist