CLASS DISCUSSION

How important is food in our daily life? What will happen if we dont eat food or drink water for a day?

Our bodies need food in order to live. Our souls also need nourishment. Jesus nourishes us by giving us the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

The Eucharist completes our initiation into the Church. nourishes us as children of God. We receive the Holy Eucharist every Saturday or Sunday.

In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we are really doing three things all at once. We are honoring Jesus by remembering what He did for us. We are sharing in a meal and participating in a sacrifice.

THE EUCHARIST AS A MEMORIAL Jesus told the apostles to do this in memory of me (Luke 22:19). By gathering and breaking bread, we are remembering Jesus. A memorial is something that helps us to remember a person or an event.

The Eucharist is different from other memorials. It is much more that just remembering past events. In the Eucharist, Jesus is really present.

It is a memorial that Christ Himself instituted, a sacrifice that Christ perpetuates and in which we are called to share. It is Christs sacrifice on the cross made present to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE EUCHARIST AS A MEAL When Jesus gave us the Eucharist, He and his friends were eating and celebrating together, In the Eucharist, we share in a meal. We are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ.

For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. John 6:5556

The Holy Mass is a meal, a sacred meal. Together with our family and friends we gather around the table of the Lord. Together, we share in the same food, the Body and Blood of Eucharist.

THE EUCHARIST AS A SACRIFICE Sacrifices are made out of love for someone. Jesus showed His love for us by coming to live among us. He gave up His life as the greatest act of love for us. His death on the cross was the supreme sacrifice of all.

We believe that the Holy Mass is not a sacrifice separate from Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

Every time we celebrate Mass, it makes present Jesus sacrifice in an unbloody manner. The Mass and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross are one and the same sacrifice.

We Respond
How can I show love and service to others? How can I give myself for others?

BIG QUESTIONS
Why is the Eucharist a

memorial? A meal? A sacrifice?

Closing Prayer
When we eat this bread, and drink this cup, We proclaim your death, Lord Jesus Christ, Until You come in glory.

Sources
Llarenas, Milagros. CLE 5

Workbook. Xavier School.