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Eucharist (Communion)
Eucharist is sometimes commonly referred to as communion. It is a symbolic act performed by Christian religions. It involves taking in a small piece of consecrated bread to represent Christ's body, and a drink to represent Christ's blood. Traditionally, the drink was wine, but some Christian religions have adapted this to grape juice or water, depending on their beliefs.
500 Questions
What is the names of the sacraments at the service of communion?
Asked by Wiki User
The sacraments at the Service of Communion is from the Catechism, the header for Chapter Three of Part Two: Question 1533 names Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist as the Sacraments of Initiation. In 1544 It mentions two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony directed towards the salvation of others. These five sacraments are "at the Service of Communion".
Is Jesus truly present in the Eucharist?
Asked by Wiki User
His institution of this sacrament repeats in each holy mass, when is called forth the moment of the last supper, when he took the bread, the wine and changed in his flesh and blood (in unable to see manner). He said "Do this for my commemoration".
What is the significance of holy communion?
Asked by Wiki User
Communion is highly regarded in the Lutheran Church as a sacrament. It is rich with meaning and, with baptism, is considered one of the most important Christian blessings. Lutherans adhere to the ancient understanding of Holy Communion as a means of grace by which Jesus makes himself truly and spiritually present to the Church. The communicant accepts the true body and blood for food and drink for the forgiveness of sins. It is a blessing which bestows and signifies unity amongst Christians. The blessing or merit is not in the eating or drinking, but in the act of God "coming to us" through the physical, tangible earthly elements of bread and wine. Lutherans prepare for communion with prayer, confession and reconciliation, and sometimes fasting. The liturgy of the Lutheran Church is centered around two high points which are 1. the hearing of the Word (Law and Gospel) and 2. the sharing of the meal (Holy Communion.)
What are the four acts of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist?
Asked by Wiki User
- Jesus "takes" the gifts we offer in the offertory.
- Jesus "blesses" the gifts in the form of the Great Thanksgiving.
- Jesus "breaks" the bread.
- Jesus "gives" the consecrated host.
Can c of e take communion at child's first communion?
Asked by Wiki User
Nobody can take Holy Communion in a Catholic Church, you may only receive Holy Communion from the priest, and then only if you have been baptized in the Catholic Church and previously made your first Confession and First Holy Communion. Bottom line? An Anglican may not take communion in a Catholic Church.
When was the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist instituted?
Asked by Wiki User
from Pocket Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J., Doubleday c 1980, 1985
Eucharist. The true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine, in order to offer himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and to be received as spiritual food in Holy Communion. It is called Eucharist, or "thanksgiving", because at its institution at the Last Supper Christ "gave thanks," and by this fact it is the supreme object and act of Christian gratitude to God.
Although the same name is used, the Eucharist is any one or all three aspects of one mystery, namely the Real Presence, the Sacrifice, and Communion. As Real Presence, the Eucharist is Christ in His abiding action of High Priest, continuing now to communicate the graces He merited on Calvary; and as Communion, it is Christ coming to enlighten and strengthen the believer by nourishing his soul for eternal life.
Why does the church eat communion?
Asked by Wiki User
when you take communion, you eat blessed bread and wine, that represent Jesus's body and blood that he gave for our sins, and so that we could go to heaven. We ingest the blessed food and drink, which means we have Jesus inside our bodies, blocking evil from our minds and bodies.
Why did Jesus establish the Sacrament of the Eucharist?
Asked by Wiki User
The Eucharist was instituted by Christ on Holy Thursday:
"On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he praised you.
He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
Again he praised you, gave it to them and said:
Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
The short phrases above instituted both the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Why use unleavened bread during communion?
Asked by Wiki User
- From a symbolic aspect, the way unleavened bread had to be made at the time gave the bread a distinct look. In order for it to cook properly, cooking through to the center, it had to be striped (like you may see on peanut butter cookies where the preparer uses a fork to press stripes in the cookie). It also had to have holes punched in it to cook properly. So when Jesus raised the unleavened bread and said, "This is my body which is broken for you" he was holding up bread that was both pierced and lacerated as his body would be the next day (the skin of his back hanging in ribbons from the flogging and the nails which pierced his hands and feet.) To see an example simply search for matzo crackers to see unleavened bread with this piercing and striping.
- When the word leaven is used in the manner and such like manner, it represents sin. Leaven in flour for instant will permeate and cause the flour to rise and puff up and completely change the normal appearance of flour from the norm. Symbolically so sin will do the same for the christian life if allowed to enter. As the bread from flour represents the body of Christ, especially in the communion then inclusion of anything foreign is an impurity.
- Because communion is representative of the feast of Passover and God specifically commanded that bread without yeast be used for Passover.
Answer:
Two reasons come to mind...
First, is in its initial use by the Israelites in their escape from Egypt. Unleavened bread doesn't require the "time" to rise... therefore it provided an instantaneous food supply for them when they hastily escaped from Egypt.
The second reason lies in the "spiritual symbolism" of unleavened bread, beyond the sustaining of "physical life":
"...It is written, Man shall not live by BREAD alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matt.4:4)
The Word of God is compared to "bread"... "unleavened bread." Plain, simple, unembellished Divinely revealed sustenance and nourshment for man's spirit [his awakened intellect, mind, heart to God's Truth].
"...Thy Word is Truth." (John 17:17)
God [Jesus Christ, the Almighty Creator God of the Old Testament - John 1:3 & 10] orchestrated in due time, the Israelites' escape from Egypt to symbolize the plan of salvation... of which, the Word of God, the Bible, Unleavened Bread... plays a pivotal part.
Egypt symbolizes "SIN" to which the Israelites were enslaved, just as mankind is in bondage to sin [the transgression of God's law - I John 3:4]. It was the "blood of the lamb" that the Israelites, through obedience to the command, struck upon the windows and doors of their homes... that caused "death" to pass over them on that night that they were commanded to do so.
But, once free from bondage to sin [Egypt]... the person cannot hang around in the midst of it. HE MUST FROM THEN ON - RUN AWAY FROM SIN... or be recaptured and pulled back into it by his "former master," Pharaoh [Satan the Devil].
That's where the believer must "eat on the run" the Unleavened Bread of God. Read the Bible... feed on it... chew on it... savor it... digest what it says... learn the Truth that's otherwise hidden there from the carnal minds of unconverted men.
The Unleavened Bread of God, the Bible, is the believer's sustenance, until Jesus returns to earth with the Kingdom of God. It's the "written" Words of Jesus Christ:
"...Our fathers did eat manna in the desert [God's bread from heaven, when the unleavened bread ran out - Ex.16]; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the True Bread from heaven.
"For the Bread of God is He which came down from heaven, and giveth Life unto the world... Then Jesus said unto them, I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:31- 35)
The Unleavened Bread of God... Jesus Christ... is a converted man's spiritual sustenance for the duration of his mortal life, either until he dies... or Jesus Christ returns.
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear THE SECOND TIME without sin UNTO SALVATION." (Heb.9:28)
The BREAD OF LIFE, Jesus Christ, sets us free from death. Faith in His shed blood does this. And the reading, studying and implementation of the Unleavened Bread, Jesus' written Word, the Bible, in our life from then on... MAINTAINS THAT FREEDOM!
"...IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye My disciples indeed; and YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, and the Truth shall MAKE YOU FREE." (John 8:31-32)
"Communion" isn't some mindless ritual to observe for a moment and forget. It's the starting point of God's mercy, forgiveness and newness of life:
"...THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME..." (Luke 22:19).
And God's Unleavened Bread then becomes the believer's life-long source of TRUTH and LIBERTY [or, as the founding fathers wrote: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, which is endowed by our Creator, Jesus Christ, not man's governments]... which yields inner peace [a rare commodity in the world].
The unleavened bread of "communion" is a REMINDER that symbolizes the "spiritual intake" of God's Word into the mind and heart... which serves to function in the growth and development of "Divine Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding and Character" in the "Child of God" growing in each believer.
Why cant people with normal sin receive holy communion?
Asked by Wiki User
They can, however communion is a thing for people who are Christians/believers ( and they are people with normal sin) to remember Jesus Christ's death on the cross. There is no purpose/reason for somebody who is not a Christian to take communion.
Why is communion not mentioned in the Nicene Creed?
Asked by Wiki User
The Nicene Creed is a profession (symbol) of the orthodox Christian faith. Borrowing from the basic form of the Apostle's Creed which has its origins in the 1st/2nd century as a formula against various gnostic and docetic heresies and as a profession of faith for those being baptized. The Nicene creed was formulated at the Council of Nicea in 325 and then modifed into, essentially, its current form at the First Council of Constantanople in 381. The evolution of the creed expresses not an evolution of the Christian faith, but instead an evolution of the Christian Church's understanding and articulation of, mainly, the doctrine surrounding the person of Jesus Christ, who is True God, True Man, and co-eternal with the Father. So why would something as important as the Sacraments (Holy Communion, in particular, as this question asks), or for that matter the role of the Bible or Christian morality or other doctrinal matters not be addressed in the Nicene Creed? Several reasons can be proposed: * Eucharistic faith is already presumed. The scriptures themselves presume a cult of the Eucharist in the time of Paul and the apostles. This is where we get the Pauline institution narrative (1 Cor 11: 23ff), the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), and the narratives of Jesus at the Last Supper. Indeed, the Gospel of John itself does not talk much about Jesus institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, but rather interprets them in the context of John 6 and in the washing of the feet which takes place at the supper. Silence on this matter need not be considered denial of the event. John didn't feel the need to give yet another narrative of something that was well-known by Christians. * Other ancient sources teach about the centrality of the Eucharist in Christian life, and this is not in dispute at the council. Debates which caused the definition of Eucharistic doctrine, such as the doctrine of transubstantiation, for instance, was not formally articulated until a thousand years later. This does not show that the Church did not belive in this doctrine, simply that it did not feel the need or have the language to explain it until challenged. Nicea did not feel the need to explain the doctrinal aspects of the Eucharist any further- they simply celebrated it. Several other ancient sources for Eucharistic faith include: the Didache, Justin Martyr, and the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus, all writings before the Nicean Council which probably the council fathers had access to or knowledge of. * Indeed, the Council of Nicea does directly teach about the Eucharist in a presumptive manner, but without resorting to creedal formulas. (Canon XIII, for instance teaches about Holy Communion given as Viaticum.) These teachings on the Eucharist are simply presumed by the Council of Nicea, and the 'standard' of faith in the context of Nicea was tested by one's profession of the anti-Arian articles proposed by the Council in the creed. Later councils would propose other articles of faith, no less important than those in the Nicene Creed, in other formulations and in other contexts... the canon of Scripture was set in stages, finding only dogmatic finality at the Council of Trent (mid-1500's)... the word "transubstantiation" appeared at the Fourth Lateran Council in its profession of faith... Looking ahead into the next few centuries, other subjects like the final doctrinal disposition of the dispute over the reservation of the priesthood to baptized men will. no doubt, be taken care of in a council yet to come. (This issue had never been a serious question in the Church until about the 20th century, and as such, the resolution of this debate is only now receiving the proper language and understanding to be solemnly and permanently defined in terms of the Church's tradition.) Again, such protracted evolution and history of these items does not betray a disbelief or fundamental disunity in these matters of faith within the Church or among the Fathers, but instead shows that the process of formally defining and declaring doctine is an ad-hoc procedure as the questions are raised and answered. So why no Eucharistic theology in the Creed? The entire Christian Church was in visible unity on the importance, cetrality, and essential necessity of faith in the Eucharist.
Can you attend church during your monthly period and receive communion?
Asked by Wiki User
I know of no Christian church that restricts anything to a menstruating woman.
AnswerAs men and women are 'heirs together of the grace of life' and God who made man (generic) made the species homo sapiens both male and female and since the New Testament, which is clearly the context of the question, specifically indicates that gender is not an issue in that all are one in Christ Jesus then the only answer can be that this is not as issue for the New Testament church of today.The Old Testament laws regarding a person being ceremonially unclean are not relevant here. These have passed away in regard to their relevance for Christians, although I believe some orthodox Jews may still observe some of them.
Let's analyze the question closely.Before a woman with a "MONTHLY PERIOD" can "RECEIVE COMMUNION", first she must "ATTEND CHURCH." The Old Testament prohibits menstruating woman from entering church and only allowed up to the outer side of the church door (Leviticus 15:19-29)..And if Matthew 5:17-19 (New Testaments) is really Jesus' words, then; menstruating women cannot "ATTEND CHURCH." If she cannot "ATTEND CHURCH" , then she cannot "RECEIVE COMMUNION inside the church. However, I can't find any restrictions in the New Testament about a menstruating women receiving communion. So maybe if the services is held outdoors, then, maybe, she can receive communion.
Quick reference
Leviticus 15:29 And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven
Before anyone is tempted to delete my answer again because it does not agree with what they believed in, please see "Discuss Question" page first...
AnswerIn relation to the above answer it must be asserted that it is both theologically and factually incorrect. The context is clearly the Christian church as the Old Testament does not have church or communion. As detailed below the Old Testament ceremonial laws do not apply to Christians.Secondly, verses taken out of context from the Bible do not prove an argument. Church is not mentioned in the context. The Old Testament religious worship was quite different. And 'Communion' is most certainly not mentioned and could not have been as it did not exist until about 1430 years later!
The words of Jesus from Matthew 5v17 are also de-contextualised and do not apply here as they refer to his work which fulfilled the law and the work of grace in believers who then fulfil the law through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus as the ultimate author of the law understood its meaning correctly contrary to the religious teachers of His day who He called 'blind guides' and 'fools'. Many of their regulations had gotten in the way of both love and true spiritual worship. The law was meant to help not hinder this. Thus, the final abolition of the law as symbolized by the rending of the veil at Jesus death, indicated that His sacrificial death was the final and complete fulfilment referred to in Matthew 5v 17.
Thirdly, it would be a quite simple matter to verify the accuracy of the above-mentioned proposition. If one single Christian church can be found that practices this, then the 'evidence' could be discreetly posted. It has nothing whatsoever to do with New Testament either indoors or out of doors.
On the other hand many followers of Judaism still follow the Mosaic law, where it can be applied either directly or in principle to today. An example is in relation to sabbath keeping and the prohibition against work. Lifts are provided and set so that they stop on every floor of a building to alleviate the necessity for a person to perform the work of pressing the button. In certain situations a 'sabbath days journey' is specifically defined by markers to avoid the breaking of this precept.
Christians have clearly been set free from following the provisions of the Mosaic law as Jesus' finished work on the cross fulfilled the law and superseded it. This was symbolized by the tearing of the thick curtain in the temple. Numerous New Testament scriptures demonstrate this.
For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1 v 17
Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped , and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no person be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3 v 19-20
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3 v 24
Knowing this that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.Galatians2v16
The first council of the Christian church held at Jerusalem and presided over by James the brother of Jesus, specifically addressed this issue. Only a very few provisions were seen as being still relevant for non-Jews to follow. This discussion is recorded in Acts 15. This would have been an appropriate place to discuss the continued relevance of the law regarding women attending worship as the place of the law was specifically under discussion. In other places in the New Testament where women are discussed there also is no mention of this issue, thus, in a sense, this is all an 'argument from silence.'
Jesus' statement in Matthew 5 v 17-18 means simply that he himself was to fulfill the law perfectly, which he certainly did. The law, being given by God himself is certainly inspired and its chief purpose was to point to Christ and to show people their need of a savior. The book of Hebrews discusses much of this at length. The book of James and any other verses cited to prove that a Christian is to obey the law of Moses or do works for either salvation or in relation to church life and practice are simply taken out of context and/or misunderstood and misapplied.
In conclusion, the New Testament church and the Old Testament ceremonial religious practices have little in common. The New Testament is much more inclusive and universal in its application.
you may attend the church during your monthly period but you can't receive communion because we all believe that we take the blood of JESUS while the communion so it makes no sense to take the blood of JESUS and then to throw it out of your body...it is a precious jewel that you should keep it and not to throw it...
Why is the First Eucharist so important for children?
Asked by Wiki User
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Catholic AnswerThe First Holy Communion is a huge day in any person's life. Many people remember their First Holy Communion long into their old age, a very famous Catholic, or perhaps "infamous" was Napolean who in his older years mentioned that, of his entire life, the high point was the day of his First Holy Communion. This is the day on which a child receives Our Blessed Lord, Body and Soul, Humanity and Divinity, into themselves. Our Blessed Lord is finally joined with one whom He loves above all others - a child..
from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994
1244 First Holy Communion. Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted "to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev 19:9) and receives the food of the new life, the body and blood of Christ. The Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord's words: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them." (Mk 10:14) the Latin Church, which reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
Why is the liturgy of the Eucharist important to Catholics?
Asked by Wiki User
Um...it's the Body and Blood of Christ (check out the Last Supper stories in the Bible) it means in Union with Christ.
What are the new responses of the Catholic Mass?
Asked by Wiki User
You may see them at the link below, they are not "new" responses. The Mass itself is in Latin, and the Mass has not changed. The only change that you see is the translation which has been updated to be more in line with the Latin and with what other languages are saying.
How does the Eucharist transform a person?
Asked by Wiki User
they change us by fullfilling the void in out hearts that only God can fill.
Where to buy cheap First Communion gift for a boy?
Asked by Wiki User
There are many great ideas for First Communion gifts available online including crosses, bibles and figurines. Two good places to look are http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/First-Communion/ and http://www.catholicfamilygifts.com/first-communion-gift-ideas-2.aspx
Is First Holy Communion a ritual?
Asked by Wiki User
The first Holy Communion as we understand it today occurred when Jesus was about to die. He went to a room with his disciples and during a meal he took a cup, filled with wine and said This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, poured out for many for the remission of sins. Before this he took some bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take it and eat, this is my body. Then he said we must do this same thing until he comes back again.
Roman Catholic AnswerA First Holy Communion is very special, the parents usually invite the whole family, little girls get dressed up almost like brides in white with a veil and gloves. Little boys get a suit. The church is usually full, after Mass there are congratulations and a lot of picture taking, a reception in the parish hall, and many families have a party at home with all the visiting relatives. It is a very special day in a young person's life when they actually are old enough to understand that they actually receive Jesus in Holy Communion, they have been studying all year and have made their first Confession right before this.
What are the requirements for a person who will be a sponsor in a baptism confirmation or first holy communion?
Asked by Wiki User
to be a catholic in good standing, meaning that you go to church on sunday, and i believe you go to some sessions with the communicant before the first communion, and i think when they receive communion you place your hand on them. It is awesome,girl or boy!
Does a Presbyterian Church give communion?
Asked by Wiki User
Yes, The dates for communion are set by the session, the ruling body of the local church, based upon input from the pastoral staff. Communion is normally held during a worship service on Sunday. Not all worship services will have communion.
Why is only the Body of Christ offered at a Catholic funeral and not the Blood?
Asked by Wiki User
The idea behind it is that a body can't come without the blood, the body can't be completely free from blood so the body is good enough. Many miracles including ones where blood sprays out of the Eucharist proves this.
In the Orthodox Church, they do give out both though.
What does holy communion signify?
Asked by Wiki User
The actual "wafer" is the Body of Christ. Holy communion signifies the universal reception of the Body of Christ by the entire Catholic community and becoming "one holy community" through the Body of Christ.
