SACRAMENT OF EUCHARIST
Sacrament of Eucharist By Edward Matulanya Meaning of Sacrament of Eucharist The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the central sacrament of the Catholic Church, often referred to as the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994, §1324). It is both a sacrament of Christ’s real presence and the memorial of His sacrifice, making present the Paschal Mystery for the faithful. Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Eucharist The Eucharist has deep roots in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine (Genesis 14:18), the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12), and manna in the desert (Exodus 16) foreshadow the Eucharistic mystery. In the New Testament, the Last Supper narratives (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) provide the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares the bread and wine to be His Body and Blood. John’s Gospel adds...