The Eucharist
Fifth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary
Introduction
The fifth Luminous Mystery of the Rosary is the Institution of the Eucharist, a profoundly significant event in Christian theology. During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, transforming bread and wine into his body and blood, and shared them with his disciples.
The importance of this event lies in its central role in the Christian faith. Jesus, anticipating his impending sacrifice on the cross, instituted the Eucharist as a sacrament of his presence and a memorial of his sacrificial love. The Eucharist is considered the source and summit of the Christian life, symbolizing the profound unity of believers with Christ and with one another.
Partaking in the Eucharist allows Christians to enter into communion with the divine, receiving the real presence of Christ. This sacrament not only commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross but also serves as a means of spiritual nourishment, strengthening the faith of the faithful and fostering unity within the Church.
The Eucharist is a continuous invitation to participate in the Paschal Mystery, embodying the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, death, and resurrection. It reinforces the spiritual bond between the worshipper and Christ, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and reverence. The Institution of the Eucharist is not only a historical event but an ongoing reality, shaping the identity and spirituality of the Christian community throughout the ages.
Scriptures of the Eucharist
Mark 14:22-25
And whilst they were eating, Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke, and gave to them, and said: Take ye. This is my body. And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, he gave it to them. And they all drank of it. He said to them: This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many. Amen I say to you, that I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Scripture Commentary
Mark 14:22-25 recounts the moment of the Last Supper, a significant event in Christian tradition where Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist. The passage reads:
“22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them. 25 ‘Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.'”
In these verses, Jesus is sharing a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. He takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them, symbolizing his body that will be broken for them. Similarly, he takes a cup, gives thanks, and shares it, representing his blood that will be shed for the forgiveness of sins.
The significance of Mark 14:22-25 lies in the institution of the Eucharist, a sacred ritual in Christian worship. Jesus establishes a new covenant through his sacrifice, inviting believers to partake in the symbolic elements of bread and wine to remember his sacrifice and enter into communion with him. This act serves as a profound expression of Jesus’ sacrificial love and the spiritual nourishment provided to his followers through the Eucharistic celebration.
Feast Day of the Eucharist - Feast of Corpus Christi
There is a feast day specifically dedicated to the Eucharist, known as the Feast of Corpus Christi. This celebration occurs in the Christian liturgical calendar on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is the Sunday after Pentecost. In some places, it may be observed on the following Sunday.
Corpus Christi is a special day devoted to honoring the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It emphasizes the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the consecrated elements of bread and wine. The feast is often marked by processions, prayers, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, providing an opportunity for believers to reflect on the significance of the Eucharist in their faith.
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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Last Publish: December 24, 2024