Introduction
Eucharist is one of the rituals in the Roman Catholic Church. It denotes a celebration of the Eucharist liturgy of as commonly referred to, the mass. The start of this ritual can be traced back to the Last Supper. This is the night before Jesus was betrayed. Together with his disciples, Jesus instituted this ritual that entailed the Eucharistic Sacrifice. In this ritual, the Body and Blood of Jesus were sacrificed according to Catholic Catechism (Catholic Church 1323). The presence of Christ in the sacrament that was used in the altar, the Eucharistic ritual honors Christ through the worship of adoration. According to Catholic Catechism (Catholic Church 1418), the visit of the Blessed Sacrament serves as a proof of gratitude among the members of the Catholic Church. This ritual is also an expression of one’s love and their duty of adoration that is bestowed upon them. The Eucharist has many symbols that carry many meanings within it. This paper highlights the traditions and meanings behind these symbols as they relate to the Catholic Church.
Purpose of the Eucharist
Eucharist has a very central purpose in the Catholic Church. It is considered to be the most important form of prayer among the Catholic faithful. It is for this reason that members of the Catholic Church have an obligation to attend Mass, the penalty for failure being mortal sin. Eucharist makes the second part of Mass in the Catholic Church. This is the Eucharistic Liturgy where Catholic faithful partake of the body of Christ in the form of bread and blood of Christ in the form of wine, the purpose of which is the remembrance of Christ. This is the purpose that is highlighted in the Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 and Luke 22:18-20. However, the Catholic Church holds different views with regards to the purpose of the Liturgy of Eucharist. According to Catholic Catechism (Catholic Church 1366), the Liturgy of Eucharist is a sacrifice. This is because it makes presents the sacrifice that performed on the cross. In this regards, the Liturgy of Eucharist serves as a remembrance and memorial of the sacrifice.
Relevance of the Symbols of the Eucharist
The ritual of the Eucharist has several symbols that hold important meaning for the Catholic faithful. One of the most important symbols in the Liturgy of Eucharist is the laying on of the hands. This is done by the priest, or the father overseeing the Mass. The meaning of this symbol can be traced back to ancient times. Imposing one’s hands on someone has the same meaning as extending one’s hands over the head of an individual. The meaning of this symbol is calling down upon the individual the Holy Spirit. The Liturgy of Eucharist where the priest overseeing the Mass extends his stretched hands upon the bread and wine. In doing this, the priest is calling upon the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this symbol is to request the Holy Spirit to come down and consecrate the gifts and sacrifice into Christ’s blood and body (National Catholic Education Commission 1).
Another significant symbol in the Liturgy of Eucharist is bread and wine. These symbols have meaning when seen separately and in togetherness. For instance, the very literal meaning of the bread is that it symbolizes the body of Christ while the wine symbolizes the blood of Christ. While this is true and in keeping with the utterance of Christ in the Last Supper, an analysis of the context and a deeper meaning of the partaking of bread and water unearths more symbolism. In ancient times, people partook their meals from a common plate (National Catholic Education Commission 1).
Flat bread was broken and dipped in the communal plate and eaten. This act was important in fostering solidarity and togetherness in one body for the partakers. The Liturgy of Eucharist mimics this age old tradition as a symbol of common life, fellowship and common love. In the Liturgy of Eucharist, the breaking of bread is another symbol that holds important meaning. This ritual and symbol can be traced back to the sharing of meals in biblical times and the actions of Christ in the Last Supper. The breaking of bread has been incorporated in the Liturgy of Eucharist as a symbol of the actions of Christ in the Last Supper (National Catholic Education Commission 1).
Different Views on Eucharist
There are three different views that are held regarding the ritual of Eucharist. One of these views is the symbolic view and is held by evangelical churches such as the Presbyterians and Baptists. In their conception, the bread and wine that is given during the Liturgy of Eucharist is symbolic of the Christ’s blood and body. However, and in contravention of the belief by Catholic faithful, that the bread and wine turn into the actual body and blood of Christ. This view holds that the symbolism behind the blood and wine is the remembrance of the forgiveness of sins due to the atonement of Christ (Shirley 1).
Another divergent view is the transubstantiation that is held by the Catholic Church, although the view is also held by Anglicans and Orthodox religions. Under this view, the consecration of the Eucharist by the priest through the act of extending the stretched hands upon the Eucharist, thereby summoning the Holy Spirit makes the Eucharist the actual blood and body of Christ. Of course this view is challenged by the view discussed in the paragraph above. The third view, called the consubstantiation is held by the Lutherans. Under this view, the bread and wine that is used in the Liturgy of Eucharist does not become the actual Christ’s body, even after consecration by the priest. Their view is that the elements of the Eucharist contain the presence of the Christ’s body and blood (Shirley 1).
Reflection
The Liturgy of Eucharist is very significant to the Catholic faith. Its practice in every mass provides a common bond for the Catholic faithful. The fact that ritual has endured since the biblical times relates to its significance. It originates from the Last Supper, a meal in which Christ presided over with his disciples before his betrayal and consequent crucifixion. Even without the consideration of the symbolism in this ritual and the meaning it holds for Catholic faithful, the fact that it originated from the Last Supper, and the fact that the ritual mimics the actions of Christ in the Last Supper gives the ritual a significance that will endure for as long as Christianity endures. In performing this ritual, Christians of the Catholic faith remember Christ and also identify with the symbolism of the last supper.
The relevance of the symbols of the Eucharist gives the faithful a glimpse into the biblical times, a period when most of the foundations of today’s church were established. This is important in today’s church where there are many distractions. By looking upon these symbols and their meaning, the faithful can find a solace in turbulent times. The symbols also offer life lessons that are important in today’s world. For instance, the sharing of the bread and wine during the liturgy of Eucharist symbolizes the fellowship between men of the biblical times. Eating from a common plate had deep meaning during these times.
It symbolized solidarity, communion, and oneness in body and spirit. This has very important implications in today’s world when seen in the context of the symbolic union. In fact, the world of today can draw several lessons from this simple act that continues to influence the lives of faithful to date. One of the lessons is the importance of unity and peace and the resolution of difference in an amicable manner. The symbolic of bread and wine is the life and joy respectively. These are products that are produced through the labor of men. Sharing these products is symbolic for the amicable resolution of differences and the process of peace building. Through these acts, the themes of common love are articulated to great effect.
In my imagination, the partaking of the Eucharist should serve to unify the faithful with the bonds of common love that are symbolized by eating from a common plate. It is from this conception that I draw criticisms of the Catholic faith and in particular the celebration of Mass. The Church of yester years was very influential because its doctrines were taught to the populace in a manner that required practice. I cannot say the same about the celebration of Mass, with special regard to the Liturgy of Eucharist. In my conception, it has been institutionalized so that people are no longer aware of its meaning, and the great significance it carries.
Although its meaning is taught in Catechism classes, the gravity of the lessons it teaches, and the great need for these lessons in the contemporary society warrants more focus on the unification potential of its symbols and an understanding of its meaning. Instead of a ritualistic practice where Eucharist is celebrated in Mass every Sunday, I would advocate for a better understanding of its symbolism in a world that requires peace building, amicable resolution of conflicts, fellowship and communion. This way, the faithful not only remember Christ, but also enjoy the benefits of the meaning of the symbolism of the ritual.
Conclusion
Although the church is not today what it was in biblical times, the foundations of the church and the rituals that are celebrated still hold significance today as they did then. As discussed above, the symbolism of the Eucharist has significance today, and the benefits it promises to bestow are relevant today in a world where armed offensives are used in conflict resolution.
Works cited
Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church: With Modifications from the Editio Typica. New York: Doubleday, 1997. Print.
National Catholic Education Commission. Signs and symbols. 9 Dec. 2014 from http://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/dsp-content.cfm?loadref=36
Shirley, Steve. Can you explain the different views on the Lord's Supper (Communion)?.Web. 9 Dec. 2014
