What is the Eucharist?
The word Eucharist can refer to either the actual elements of the biblical Last Supper, or the modern Christian ritual which commemorates it. The word eucharist is derived from the Greek word for "thanksgiving". Catholics and some Protestant denominations use the word 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 assembled his disciples for a final meal during Passover, He used the common elements of bread and wine to illustrate a point. As the disciples consumed a portion of bread, Jesus told them they were actually eating His flesh, at least in a spiritual sense. The communal wine would also be considered His blood, which would soon be spilled as an atonement for mankind's sins. These elements of bread and wine, along with the intimate communications between believers and God, formed the basis of the Eucharist ceremony.
The modern Christian denominations have varying opinions on the Eucharist or Holy Communion ritual. The Eucharist is considered to be an essential sacrament for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox followers. Some believe the elements of the Eucharist, the physical bread and wine, are mystically converted into the actual blood and flesh of Jesus Christ. This literal translation of the Eucharist ritual is called transubstantiation. Although the bread and wine do not undergo changes in their outward appearance, a priest's blessing draws the real essence of Christ into the elements.
There are Protestant churches which do support the idea of the Eucharist inheriting some spiritual qualities, but these qualities are more symbolic than literal. Christians of all denominations are encouraged to re-examine their spiritual health during the Lord's Supper or Eucharist service. Certain denominations believe that participants in a Eucharist ceremony should only partake of the elements if they have developed a true relationship with God. The Eucharist ceremony is not something to be taken lightly or irreverently.
Written by Michael Pollick
