Module 3 - How one Religious belief, teaching, ritual or practise developed overtime

The Eucharist

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a Christian sacrament that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, during which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed as symbols of Christ's body and blood.

Key Features of the Eucharist

Consecration: This is the ritual action in which the bread and wine are consecrated by a priest to become the body and blood of Christ

Communion: The act of receiving the consecrated elements of bread and wine by the congregation, symbolizing participation in the body of Christ and fostering communal unity among believers.

Thanksgiving: The Eucharist is often referred to as the "Great Thanksgiving," reflecting its nature as a celebration of gratitude for God's salvation through Jesus Christ, commemorating his sacrifice and the promise of eternal life.

Term

Early Christian Origins:

The Eucharist has its roots in the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the practice of sharing bread and wine among his disciples. Early Christians continued this tradition in their gatherings, emphasising fellowship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, which laid the foundational understanding and practice of the Eucharist in the early Church.

Theological Developments:

Over the centuries, theological interpretations of the Eucharist evolved, leading to significant doctrines such as transubstantiation in the Catholic Church and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. These theological developments shaped the understanding of the sacrament's significance, emphasizing its role in salvation and the believer's relationship with Christ.

Liturgical Reforms:

Various liturgical reforms throughout history, such as those initiated by the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent changes in Catholic liturgy during the Second Vatican Council, significantly altered the manner in which the Eucharist is celebrated.

Significant Person St Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas significantly influenced Eucharistic theology through his work, the "Summa Theologica," where he articulated the doctrine of transubstantiation. He explained that during the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while maintaining their physical appearances. His philosophical reasoning provided a deeper understanding of the sacrament's role as a means of grace and spiritual nourishment, making his contributions essential to the Catholic Church's doctrine regarding the Eucharist.

Significant Event Vatican II

Vatican II significantly developed the understanding and practice of the Eucharist by encouraging greater participation and connection between the clergy and the laity. Through the Sacrosanctum Concilium The Church emphasized that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Mass was allowed in local languages instead of Latin, and the altar faced the congregation to highlight community. This helped Catholics better understand and participate in the Eucharist.