The Catechism and The Eucharist

Part 8

This month we continue on a spiritual journey sharing what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches each of us about the Eucharist.

The Institution of the Eucharist (continues from last week): "Do this in memory of me."

1341: The command of Jesus to repeat his actions and words "until he comes" does not only ask us to remember Jesus and what he did. It is directed at the liturgical celebration, by the apostles and their successors, of the memorial of Christ, of his life, of his death, of his Resurrection, and of his intercession in the presence of the Father.

1342: From the beginning the Church has been faithful to the Lord's command. Of the Church of Jerusalem, it is written:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. . . . Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts.

1343: It was above all on "the first day of the week," Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection, that the Christians met "to break bread." From that time on down to our own day the celebration of the Eucharist has been continued so that today we encounter it everywhere in the Church with the same fundamental structure. It remains the center of the Church's life.

1344: Thus from celebration to celebration, as they proclaim the Paschal mystery of Jesus "until he comes," the pilgrim People of God advances, "following the narrow way of the cross," toward the heavenly banquet, when all the elect will be seated at the table of the kingdom.

Deacon George’s take:

Merry and Blessed Christmas to you all! Listen carefully to the words of consecration today, the highlight of which is the doxology “Through him, with him, and in him, O God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all Glory and Honor is yours for ever and ever, Amen.” May we sing this all throughout Christmas, in our hearts and minds.

Thank you Jesus for loving us this way. Now, have I told you lately? I love you Lord.

Merry Christmas everyone!