January 17: The Eucharist

We will be taking a look at the Eucharist in class this Sunday. The relevant sections in the Green Catechism are: found on pp-334-357. In the Catechism for adults, see Ch. 17. I have also provided links for you to the side.

Unlike Protestant worship, which centers on preaching, Catholic worship centers on the sacrifice of the Mass: the Eucharist. Catholics believe that the consecrated bread and wine, while they remain the outward appearance of bread and wine, are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a central doctrine of Catholic faith, that Christ is really present, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus is our Paschal lamb (see John 1:29 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29), and understanding His sacrifice, and the Eucharist, depends in part on understanding the significance, and ritual, of Passover. Read Exodus 12:8 and 12:46. What does this tell us about how the paschal lamb fit into the Passover meal?

Further, the basis for the Real Presence in the Eucharist can be found in Matthew 26:26ff, Mark 14:24ff and Luke 22:17ff. Also take a look at 1 Corinthians 10:16 and 11:23-29 for further support of the Real Presence.

A few questions to consider as you read:

Why can't non-Catholics receive communion in the Catholic Church?
Why can't Catholics take communion in Protestant churches?
Why do Catholics take communion so often?
How should a Catholic prepare for communion?
When should a Catholic refrain from receiving communion?
What is the difference between Mass and a communion service?
Why is Mary also called Mother of the Eucharist?


Last but not least, take a look at the prayers I previously posted. Think about one that you might being to use as part of your devotion (my personal favorite is the Anima Christi, which happens to be on the back of the missalette).