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 1. The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ on the cross perpetuated throughout the ages. 2. When we properly partake of the Eucharist we participate even now in the life of God. 3. The Eucharist puts us into communion with the Trinity and with one another. 4. Through ordination, the priest is conformed to Christ so that he can re-enact the full impact of the words and deeds of Christ: "this is my body" and "this is my blood of the New and everlasting Covenant". 5. The Eucharist contains the entire spiritual wealth of the Church as it brings us into community with the Blessed Trinity and with one another. 6. For this gift we must show infinite "Thanksgiving" which is the meaning of "EUCHARIST". 7. The deliverance from sin which we experience in the Eucharist was foreshadowed by the Passover of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. 8. The sacrifice of the cross and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one and the same sacrifice. 9. The sacrifice of the Eucharist is the most perfect and effective prayer we can offer with Christ. 10. Transubstantiation is the real transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. 11. To receive the body of Christ we must be members of the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace which is confirmed by the Sacrament of Confession. 12. There is normally a one hour fast before communion. 13. Our demeanor and dress reflect our respect for the Eucharist. 14. A true understanding of the Eucharist leads to spiritual ecstasy with God. We should understand why the Church insists on the obligation to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day and receive Communion and Confession at least once every year. We should dread the loss of this sacrament and desire to receive it as often as possible. The Eucharist is the only sacrament that continues in heaven. The Eucharist is the heavenly banquet already begun on earth. The Eucharist is the complete revelation of God’s plan that all will be one.