23. LOVING THE EUCHARIST

23. LOVING THE EUCHARIST WE MUST GROW IN UNDERSTANDING OF AND REVERENCE FOR THE EUCHARIST Compendium 271-294 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ on the cross perpetuated throughout the ages. When we worthily partake of the Eucharist we participate even now in the life of God. The Eucharist puts us into communion with the Trinity and with one another. Through ordination, the priest is conformed to Christ so that he can re-enact the words and deeds of Christ. The deliverance from sin which we experience in the Eucharist was foreshadowed by the Passover of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The sacrifice of the cross and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one and the same sacrifice. The un-bloody sacrifice of the Eucharist is the most perfect and effective prayer we can offer with Christ. Transubstantiation is the real transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. To receive worthily we must be members of the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace which is confirmed by the Sacrament of Confession. Our demeanor and dress reflect our respect for the Eucharist.