What is the Eucharist?

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 The Eucharist is a central sacrament of the Catholic Church, considered the source and summit of Christian life. It is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, instituted by Him to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until His return in glory.

In depth explanation:

• Sacrament: The Eucharist is a sacrament, an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. It is the most important of all sacraments, sometimes called the "Sacrament of Sacraments".
• Real Presence: In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine. This is what the Church means by the "Real Presence" of Christ. The bread and wine are not merely symbols; they truly become the Body and Blood of Christ.
• Sacrifice: The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus. It is a representation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, making that one sacrifice present in every celebration of the Eucharist.
• Memorial: Jesus entrusted to the Church the Eucharist as a memorial of his death and Resurrection. By celebrating the Eucharist, the Church remembers and participates in the saving events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
• Communion: The Eucharist is also a sign of unity and a bond of charity. By receiving the Eucharist, believers are united more closely to Christ and to one another. It is a participation in the paschal banquet, where Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given.

• The Last Supper: The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with his disciples, on the night before He suffered. As the Gospel of Matthew tells us:

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins ."

• Jesus' Command: By these actions and words, Jesus commanded his apostles to continue this practice in memory of Him. The Church has faithfully carried out this command from the time of the apostles.

• Completion of Christian Initiation: The Eucharist completes Christian initiation, which begins with Baptism and is strengthened by Confirmation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.
• Spiritual Nourishment: The Eucharist is spiritual food that nourishes the soul and strengthens believers in their journey of faith.

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world… For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink."

The Eucharist is the most holy sacrament in the Catholic Church, in which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is a sacrifice, a memorial, and a communion, instituted by Christ himself.