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==The Shared Theology and Practice of the Eucharist==

–==The Shared Theology and Practice of the Eucharist==

This sacrament is rarely, if ever, referred to as the "Eucharist" in most Protestant churches. Among Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches the term is common. "Eucharist" comes from the [[Greek]] word meaning "giving thanks." The central theme is one of being grateful to God for His gift of His Son Jesus and for Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins. It also may be related to the 3rd cup of wine drunk immediately after the Passover Seder dinner, although it is a matter of dispute among Christians whether or not Jesus followed this part of the Passover during his "'''[[Last Supper]]'''."

This sacrament is rarely, if ever, referred to as the "Eucharist" in most Protestant churches. Among Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches the term is common. "Eucharist" comes from the [[Greek]] word meaning "giving thanks." The central theme is one of being grateful to God for His gift of His Son Jesus and for Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins. It also may be related to the 3rd cup of wine drunk immediately after the Passover Seder dinner, although it is a matter of dispute among Christians whether or not Jesus followed this part of the Passover during his "'''[[Last Supper]]'''."

   

   

The following is the basic Eucharistic [[theology]] of the Catholic and Orthodox churces, East or West, Latin, Greek, or Aramaic:  

The following is the basic Eucharistic [[theology]] of the Catholic and Orthodox churches, East or West, Latin, Greek, or Aramaic:  

The foreservice of the Eucharist consists mainly of Scripture readings according to a lectionary of Scripture. This practice came into the Church through the Synagogual reading of the Law of Moses (Torah) and the Prophets (Haftorah). Beginning with the early Church, the "memoires of the Apostles" or Gospels were added along with a recitation from the Psalms, as in the synagogues. In the era of

The foreservice of the Eucharist consists mainly of Scripture readings according to a lectionary of Scripture. This practice came into the Church through the Synagogue reading of the Law of Moses (Torah) and the Prophets (Haftorah). Beginning with the early Church, the "memoires of the Apostles" or Gospels were added along with a recitation from the Psalms, as in the synagogues. In the era of

the early Church, but no longer, those who had not yet been baptized left the building, and the Eucharist was celebrated by the baptized believers.  

the early Church, but no longer, those who had not yet been baptized left the building, and the Eucharist was celebrated by the baptized believers.  

These churches believe that their Eucharists are not only a fulfillment and continuation of what the Lord did and commanded at the [[Last Supper]], but also as a continuation and fulfillment of those events in the Gospels that portray this fourfold pattern and mention it. Christ took the bread and blessed it while looking to heaven. The miracle takes place. Also, the Lord was seen in the "breaking" of the bread at Emmaus.  

These churches believe that their Eucharists are not only a fulfillment and continuation of what the Lord did and commanded at the [[Last Supper]], but also as a continuation and fulfillment of those events in the Gospels that portray this fourfold pattern and mention it. Christ took the bread and blessed it while looking to heaven. The miracle takes place. Also, the Lord was seen in the "breaking" of the bread at Emmaus.  

   

   

In the Catholic and Orthodox Eucharist then, the priest takes the bread, and he follows that with a blessing. These churches believe that here the priest (who also gives the Word and pastors the people) stands in the place of Christ. That is, it is not the table of the priest or even of the people; it is the table of Christ. It is Christ who stretches out his hands to invite the people to the banquet. Christ Himself is the host of the banquet. This is the mind-set of the priest, who is termed "the Celebrant." Here is to be noted a double understanding of the priest. He also is believed to represent the people to the Lord. But the priest is not of the order of the Aaronic priesthood; Christ is understood to be that.  

In the Catholic and Orthodox Eucharist then, the priest takes the bread, and he follows that with a blessing. These churches believe that here the priest (who also gives the Word and pastors the people) stands in the place of Christ. That is, it is not the table of the priest or even of the people; it is the table of Christ. It is Christ who stretches out his hands to invite the people to the banquet. Christ Himself is the host of the banquet. This is the mind-set of the priest, who is termed "the Celebrant." Here is to be noted a double understanding of the priest. He also is believed to represent the people to the Lord. But the priest is not of the order of the Aaronic priesthood; he is a member of Christ the Head who is understood to be High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14–10:14).  

 

The Priest then says the Eucharistic prayer. He is representing all the people assembled. This is the Thanksgiving proper. Thanksgiving is made for Creation and sustenance and protection, but the core of the thanksgiving in all the liturgies is the giving by the Father of His Son, and for the willing sacrifice of Himself that Jesus performed. Then the prayer of thanksgiving settles on the words of Jesus spoken when he instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. That is, Jesus commanded that something be done. He is recorded in the Gospel as saying, "Do this!...."

The Priest then says the Eucharistic prayer. He is representing all the people assembled. This is the Thanksgiving proper. Thanksgiving is made for Creation and sustenance and protection, but the core of the thanksgiving in all the liturgies is the giving by the Father of His Son, and for the willing sacrifice of Himself that Jesus performed. Then the prayer of thanksgiving settles on the words of Jesus spoken when he instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. That is, Jesus commanded that something be done. He is recorded in the Gospel as saying, "Do this!...."