What’s the Eucharist?

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The Eucharist can refer both to the actual elements of the biblical Last Supper and to the modern Christian ritual that commemorates it. The word itself comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” Catholics and some Protestant denominations use “Eucharist” interchangeably with “Mass” to describe their Sunday morning Communion services. Other Protestant denominations may describe the Eucharist ceremony as “The Lord’s Supper”, “The Great Thanksgiving” or “Holy Communion”.

When Jesus Christ gathered his disciples for a final meal at Passover, he used the common elements of bread and wine to illustrate a point. As the disciples ate a portion of bread, Jesus told them that they were actually eating his flesh, at least in a spiritual sense. The common wine would represent his blood, soon to be shed as atonement for man’s sins. These elements of the bread and wine, together with the intimate communications between believers and God, formed the basis of the Eucharistic ceremony.

Modern Christian denominations have different views on this ritual. The Eucharist is considered an essential sacrament for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox followers. Some believe that the physical bread and wine are mystically converted into the true blood and flesh of Jesus Christ. This literal translation of the ritual is called transubstantiation. Although the bread and wine undergo no change in their outward appearance, it is believed that a priest’s blessing draws the very essence of Christ into the elements.

There are Protestant churches that support the idea of ​​the Eucharist by inheriting some spiritual qualities, but these qualities are more symbolic than literal. Christians of all denominations are encouraged to review their spiritual health at the Lord’s Supper. Some denominations believe that participants in the ceremony should partake of the elements only if they have developed a true relationship with God. The Eucharistic ceremony is not something to be taken lightly or flippantly.

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