Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

First, I would like to give thanks for all you for giving me such a wonderful reception. I never had such a welcome reception. Thank you.

One of the most used words in Catholicism is the word “Eucharist.” It’s heard every Sunday at Mass and    Catholics use it all the time. What does it mean?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers a brief  definition of the word:

The inexhaustible richness of [the sacrament of the  eucharist, i.e. the “Mass”] is expressed in the different names we give it. Each name evokes certain aspects of it. It is called: Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words  eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that   proclaim — especially during a meal — God’s works: creation, redemption, and sanctification. (CCC 1328)

 In the original Greek version of the Gospels, Jesus is recorded using a similar word while celebrating the Last Supper. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks [εὐχαριστήσας – eucharistēsas] he broke it and gave it to them (Luke 22:18-19).

 Essentially, the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks,” but in a Jewish context is directed specifically towards giving thanks to God.

 Early on the word was adopted to refer to the entire sacrament of the Eucharist, more commonly known as the Mass, where Catholics celebrate God’s saving act on the cross. There is even an ancient document called the Didache that possibly dates to the time of the apostles and uses this word in this context.

Celebrate the Eucharist as follows: Say over the cup: “we give you thanks, Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you made known to us through   Jesus your servant. To you be glory forever.”

Over the broken bread say: “We give you thanks, Father, for the life and the knowledge which you have   revealed to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory forever” … Do not let anyone eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the name of the Lord.

 Besides referring to the entire celebration of the        Eucharist, the word is also used even more specifically to refer to the bread and wine that are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. So the word “Eucharist” is a multi-faceted word with many different dimensions, all going back to the basic human need of giving thanks to God. When we come to church on Sunday we work for six days, and Sunday is the day dedicated to God where we give thanks.

 This feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, makes us realize how important and special is the Eucharist we receive. This makes us think about it, so that we can receive with greater reverence and preparation.

 God love you,          

Fr. Vincent  Clemente

 

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