RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Sacraments - Eucharist
Opening Prayer
The Eucharist
“the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride What is the Eucharist to you ? has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7) The Mystery of the Eucharist “And so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries” “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, (Sacraments are visible signs of invisible graces, granted and revealed by God ) coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Rev 21:2)
The Real Presence
The substance of bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ while retaining the physical appearance of bread and wine.
. Our Dignity – Created to become like God Transubstantiation (Change in Substance but retaining the accidentals) • “We may become participants of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) • “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26) . What role will the Eucharist play?
1 Eucharistic Miracle Lanciano, 750 AD
DT1 Do you believe in miracles? Eucharistic Miracle At Lanciano
Eucharistic Miracle At Lanciano Occurred at Lanciano, Italy 750 at the Church of St. Francis. A monastic priest doubted whether the Body of Our Lord was truly present in the consecrated Host. One day, during mass, as he said the words of consecration, the Host turn into Flesh and the Wine turn into Blood Everything was visible to those in attendance. Today The Flesh is still intact The Blood is divided into five unequal parts which together have the exact same weight as each one does separately.
Eucharistic Miracle At Lanciano
In 1970, the Archbishop of Lanciano commissioned a scientific examination of the relic
In 1973, the findings were collaborated by the WHO
2 Slide 9
DT1 The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano
Lanciano is a small Italian town on the Adriatic coast.
Lanciano means "the lance," referring to St Longinus, the soldier whose lance pierced the heart of Jesus, who according to legend, came from this town.
Sometime around the year 700, a priest-monk of the Basilian order in Lanciano is said to have been tormented by doubts regarding the supernatural transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
One morning, when he was celebrating mass in the Church of St. Legontian, his doubts weighed upon him more heavily than ever. But then, as he was pronouncing the words of consecration ("This is My Body..., This is my Blood..."), to his amazement, he witnessed the host and the wine visibly changing into real flesh and bright red blood, which soon coagulated into five small clots.
At first the monk was frightened and confused, but his fears soon gave way to a spiritual happiness that filled his soul, and he turned to those around him, exclaiming "...Behold the Flesh and the blood of our Most Beloved Christ."
At those words, the bystanders ran to the altar and began, with tears, to cry for mercy. All those who had witnesses the miracle, soon spread the news throughout the entire city.
Today twelve, centuries later, the flesh and the five blood clots remains more or less intact.
The Host of Flesh has a fibrous appearance and a yellow-dark-brown color, which becomes light-reddish when lit through. The tissue sheet is thinner and badly ripped in the middle. The blood contained in the chalice, has an earthly color, inclined toward the yellow of ocher, and consists of five coagulated globules.
Since 1713, both have been preserved in an artistic silver Monstrance, delicately embossed by an artisan of the Neapolitan school. The blood clots are enclosed in an ancient cup made of Rock-crystal.
Today the host and blood can be seen in the St. Legontian church in Lanciano, where the miracle originally occurred.
Scientific Studies:
Local Church authorities as well as the Vatican have officially authenticated the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano on numerous occasions since the middle Ages.
The miraculous flesh and blood were submitted for recognition by ecclesiastic authorities and recognized as being authentic in 1574, 1637, 1770 and in 1886.
In 1970-71, a rigorous scientific analysis of the miracle was performed by Dr. Odorardo Linoli, professor in Anatomy, Pathological Histology, Chemistry and Clinical Microscopy. He was assisted by Prof. Dr. Ruggero Bertelli, a Professor of anatomy at the University of Siena. The research done on the fragments of the Blood and the Flesh yielded the following results: Slide 9 (Continued)
* The Blood is real blood and the Flesh is real flesh.
* The Flesh consists of muscular tissue of the myocardium (heart tissue).
* The Blood and the Flesh belong to the human species.
* The blood type is identical in the Blood and in the Flesh, type AB (identical to the Blood-type found on the Turin Shroud).
* The proteins in the blood are in the same proportions as those found in normal fresh blood.
* There is no trace whatsoever of any materials or agents used for preservation of flesh or blood.
* The preservation of the Flesh and of the Blood, which were left in their natural state for twelve centuries and exposed to the action of atmospheric and biological agents, remains an unexplainable phenomenon. David Tham, 1/09/2007 Findings Eucharistic Miracle The Flesh and Blood are true human flesh and blood Buenos Aires, 1996 The Flesh consists of the muscular tissue of the myocardium (heart wall) The blood type is type AB, the type most characteristic of Middle Eastern population (identical as that found on the Shroud of Turin) The proteins in the blood are in the same proportions as those found in normal fresh blood There is no trace whatsoever of any materials or agents used for preservation of flesh or blood Not a hoax The Flesh and Blood are miraculously preserved over more than 12 centuries
Eat His Flesh, Drink His Blood
John 6:51-58 (Eating His flesh and Drinking His Blood)
This bread of life discourse sheds some light on the mystery of the Eucharist (It took place after Jesus had multiplied bread and fed 5000 and the multitude were coming back for more free food)
Eat His Flesh, Drink His Blood Gospel of St. John 6:51-58
“Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have for the life of the world is my flesh.’ 52 The Jews then disputed no life in you.” (John 6:53) Did Jesus mean this among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh literally? to eat?’ 53 So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless Figuratively, to eat one’s flesh is to oppress you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you someone: have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my
“When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh …” blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; (Psalm 27:2) David was referring to his enemies. 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56
“You who hate the good and love the evil, who tear Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I the skin off my people, and the flesh off their bones; in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live who eat the flesh of my people …” (Micah 3:2-3). because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of Micah was referring to the evil rulers of Judah. me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like Jesus did not mean it figuratively, He meant it that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who literally. eats this bread will live for ever.’
3 Gospel of St. John 6:51-58 Gospel of St. John 6:51-58
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ 52 The eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ 53 So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the for the life of the world is my flesh.’ 52 The Jews then disputed Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; to eat?’ 53 So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, . Verses 51-53 “eat” in Greek is φάγητε: normal human eating. and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ . Verse 54 onward “eat” in Greek is trógó: to gnaw, munch, crunch Elixir of life? Verse 34 ‐ They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Emphasizing real food & eating, not merely symbolic (The same temptation of the Serpent; Eternal life without any sacrifice)
Could Jesus have saved without the Cross? How can hearts be transformed?
Miracles and blessings alone were not enough to Miracles and blessings alone were not enough to transform hearts. transform hearts. (Moses, Joshua, David and Solomon)
Not even Jesus’ sublime words miraculous deeds Moses –(10 plagues, Red sea, water from rock, manna, (Raising of Lazarus after 4 days –“He must die”, “Crucify him”) 10 Commandments, The Sanctuary & column of cloud & fire)
Joshua, – (Crossing Jordan, Jericho, battles) Why? King David –(Established the Kingdom of Israel) Miracles and blessings touch our body (senses and King Solomon –(Wisdom, Temple and column of cloud) emotions) but not necessarily our spirit Jeremiah 7:25-26 “From the day that your ancestors came out out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did.” (What else can God do?)
The Eucharist
“The Source and Summit of Christian life” . Our Destiny – To become like God – Vatican Council II • We may become participants of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) • Created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) . What role will the Eucharist play? . Through the Eucharist, we can become one in Christ Mass Concluding prayer ‐ (27th week in Ordinary time on weekday) “.. the Sacrament we have received, be transformed into what we consume” (Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”) . To become the unique person God created me to be –His will) Trials and crosses are part of the moulding process (Romans 8:28); (Ephesians 5:31‐32 –In the Body of Christ, we become one flesh with Christ)
4 The Eucharist Luke 22:14-20 (Institution of the Eucharist) 14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, ‘I have eagerly Luke 22:14-20 desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for (Institution of the Eucharist) I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’
The lamb
A sacrifice in place of the Israelite
A meal to be eaten The Eucharist
A sacrifice in place of us
A meal to be eaten The Israelite
Saved from death Delivered from slavery under Egyptians “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes Us away the sin of the world!” Saved from eternal death Delivered from slavery under sin John 1:29
The First Passover - symbols
Unleavened bread
No leaven (yeast) used
Yeast causes fermentation and symbolises evil
"Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." – Matthew 16:6
"Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old “I saw … a Lamb standing as if it yeast so that you may be a new batch, as had been slaughtered” you really are unleavened.“ – 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Revelations 5:6
5 Elements of the Eucharist Pre-Conditions For Receiving Eucharist Sign (Pointing to the invisible Substance)
Offering, Consecration State of Grace Form (The principle act of being)
Eucharistic Prayer (Calling upon the Holy Spirit – Epiclesis) Free from mortal sins
Words of consecration: “This is my Body ... This is my Blood … Do this in memory of me.”
Matter (Makes the Substance visible)
Bread made from wheaten flour and unleavened
Wine made from grapes
Person: Priest (Acting in the Person of Christ)
Pre-Conditions For Receiving State of Grace Eucharist We are receiving the all-holy God
Self-examination to determine if we are worthy of reception State of Grace We are obliged to go to confession when there is Free from mortal sins mortal sin
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 – “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an Eucharistic Fast unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves.” (Clearly this is not something symbolic)
Deuteronomy 8:3 (“He humbled you and let you hunger”) Eucharistic Fast He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, … in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Creates a physical hunger and thirst for the Lord, which in turn augments the John 6:48.50-51.53-56 (The Bread Of Life) 48 “I am the bread of life. 50 This is the bread that comes down from spiritual hunger and thirst One hour heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread before communion that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. 53 Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and Psalm 42 drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and “As a deer longs for flowing streams, drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those so my soul longs for you, OGod. who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.” 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”
6 Vessels Used For Eucharist Vessels Used For Eucharist
Corporal
Small cloth upon which the Body and Blood of Jesus rest upon, placed in the centre of the altar
Vessels Used For Eucharist Vessels Used For Eucharist
Chalice Purificator
Contains the wine that A small linen cloth used during Mass will become the Blood to dry and clean the chalice of Christ
Vessels Used For Eucharist Vessels Used For Eucharist
Pall Paten
Used to cover the chalice to prevent A circular dish used to hold the host impurities falling into the wine
7 Vessels Used For Eucharist Vessels Used For Eucharist
Pall
Paten, Host
Purificator
Chalice
Corporal
Vessels Used For Eucharist
Credence Table
Communion Cups, Cruets, Chalice
Finger Bowl & Towel
1. The Eucharist is: 2. When did Christ first institute the Holy Eucharist:
a. Symbolic bread a. At the Wedding Feast at Cana b. True Body & Blood of Christ b. With the multiplication of the c. The Mass loaves and fishes c. At the Last Supper
8 3. On the night of the Passover, 4. When Jesus uttered the words, Jesus instituted the Eucharist "This is my body, this is my by saying: blood", we believe: a. "I am the bread of life" a. The bread and wine became the b. "Feed my sheep" symbol of His Body and Blood c. "This is my Body, this is my Blood" b. The entire substance of the bread and wine is changed
c. The bread disappears
5. After the substance of the 6. When we say the appearance of bread and wine changes to our bread and wine we mean the colour, taste, weight, shape and Lord’s Body and Blood, what whatever else appear to the remains? senses a. A few breadcrumbs and several a. True
drop of wine b. False b. The appearance of bread and wine c. Nothing
7. By changing the bread and 8. Catholics have a name for the wine into His body and blood mystery of Bread and Wine Jesus accomplishes this changing into the body and change by: Blood of Christ a. Magic a. Transfiguration b. His power as the Second Person b. Transsignification
of the Trinity c. Transubstantiation c. By the power of suggestion d. Consubstantiation
9 9. Eucharist means “thanksgiving”. 10. Jesus' command to change bread We call both the Body and Blood and wine into His Body and Blood of Christ and the celebration of the is carried out in the Church today. Mass the Eucharist because: It is done through: a. Jesus gives thanks to the Father a. The ministry of the priests at the Last Supper b. The building of parish churches b. We give thanks to God during c. The Pope's travels Mass c. It is right to give God thanks and praise d. All of the above
11. How long must the fast be 12. Which is not one of the ways before receiving the Catholics partake of the Eucharist? Eucharist? a. One hour a. Receiving the host on the tongue b. Three hours b. Taking the Host from the Communion Minister's hand c. Night before c. Receiving the Host in your hand
d. Receiving the Host on the tongue or in the hand and then receiving the cup from the Communion minister
13. How often should Catholics receive Holy Communion? Tea Break a. As often as they attend Mass b. At Sunday Mass c. On special occasions d. Once a year
10 Discussion Recap
Why is the Eucharist necessary for Eucharist: instituted by God
us? A Sacrifice
What preparation should we made A Memorial before receiving the Eucharist. A Perpetual Covenant
Read Luke 7:2-9 and reflect on this response: “Lord, I am not worthy Our Lord’s Real Presence to unite us that you should enter under my in anticipation of our “wedding to the roof…” Lamb in Heaven”
Q&A Further Readings
At Home With God’s People (ISBN 0-947282-13-0) Chapter 13
Path Through Catholicism (ISBN 0-7829-0971-X) Chapter 12
The Privilege of Being Catholic (ISBN 978-0-89243-563-0) Chapter 7
IN BREAD WE BRING YOU, LORD Notices (Nichols/McCrimmon) In bread we bring You, Lord, our bodies labour. Copy of this presentation may be downloaded from the Parish Web Site In wine we offer You, our spirits grief. (http://www.willettoncatholicparish.org.au) We do not ask You Lord, who is my neighbour? But stand united now, one in belief.
Copyright © The Ichthys Community. The content of this presentation can be accessed, printed, downloaded and Oh we have gladly heard, Your word, reproduced for religious education and personal study that is not for a direct or indirect commercial use. Any content printed, Your holy word - and now in answer downloaded or reproduced may not be sold or licensed in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person . Lord, our gifts we bring
11 Take all that daily toil, plant in our heart's poor soil Our selfish hearts make true, our failing faith take all we start and spoil, each hopeful dream renew - our lives belong to You, the chances we have missed, the graces we resist, our Lord and King. Lord in Your Eucharist The bread we offer You, is blessed and broken take and redeem. and it becomes for us, our spirit's food. The chances we have missed, the graces we resist, Over the cup we bring, Your Word is spoken; Lord in Your Eucharist Make it Your gift to us, your healing blood. take and redeem.
With permission WOL Int GIA Lic No 1130
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