BULLETIN 38 - Eucharist or Holy Communion

Greetings to all. Before getting to the main topic it is important to give a passage from 1 Timothy 3:14-17 -All scripture is inspired by God and is useful in teaching us what is true, and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.This is a helpful passage to remember, and now the main message on the Eucharist is provided:

The Eucharist is very important, though it seems mysterious to many people. And it is hoped that everyone will read this, thus briefly discussing for, both believers and non-believers, on the Eucharist. It is generally considered an essential part of Christianity. An exception is the Society of Friends (the Quakers) who have dropped it altogether as part of their protest and practices against church formalism. And Christian unity has not always been achieved as it is hoped, accordingly it has been a part of discussions in the Ecumenical Movement in recent years.

There are a number of interpretations amongst the various denominations that emphasise certain aspects of the Eucharist and we respect those differing views. Christ only briefly discussed certain things. He possibly aimed to communicate to the disciples a particular perspective, the belief and its practice in churches. The Eucharist is reported in all the gospels.

The Uniting Church in Australia, as in Reformed Christianity, sees the Eucharist as central and does not restrict it to only those who are baptised or Christened, and also for those who are formal members of this church.

It is teaching on a real and spiritual presence of the living Christ, not just a memorial spoken of by John Calvin. This emphasises the sacramental practice rather than the elements. Most denominations have the Eucharist as a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. And in some special way Jesus is present, though theologies vary about the mode, the locus and even the time of that presence.
Roman Catholics theology maintains that the elements of bread and wine are "transubstantiated" into the body and blood of Christ. That is the whole body of the elements are converted into Christ's body and blood, though the outward appearance remains the same. They recognise that the reciting of the words constitutes the Eucharist as a sacrament.

Eastern Authodox theology has the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the elements as essential in the Eucharist. And that seems to be fundamental. Another main difference is the use of leavened bread rather than unleavened bread, and is it consecrated for the purpose?What is certain is that participation in the Eucharist ritual deepens the communion of the believers with Christ and also with those people present, hence its great importance to all.

Blessings to everyone.

AMEN

srd