I started reading the "THIS HOLY MYSTERY" document that deals with the sacrament of Holy Communion. The Order Of Saint Luke has just published a study guide for youth and children. I think I'll be spending some time reflecting on this book here at the blog and see what kind of discussions might come out of it. Shalom.Pt. 1-REFLECTING ON THE NAMES FOR THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION:
Traditionally Holy Communion has been referred to by several different names. Here are some of them:
1. The Lord's Supper: reminds us that Jesus is the host and we participate at Christ's invitation.
2. Holy Communion: invites us to focus on the self giving of God, the grace that comes from participating in the sacrament, and the communion with God and church community.
3. Eucharist: means "thanksgiving"; reminds us that we are thankful for all the gifts God has blessed us with through creation and salvation.
4. Mass: "sending Forth"; focuses on how the sacrament brings worship to a close and sends us into the world to live as God's children. Traditionally Roman Catholic.
5. The Divine Liturgy: refers to the practice of eating and drinking of consecrated bread and wine in the worshiping community. Traditionally Eastern Orthodox.
I tend to favor Eucharist as the word used for naming communion. Which term do you tend to use more? Is one more valid for Wesleyans?
2 comments:
I tend to say 'communion'. We are in communion with each other...
God is Good! Happy Thanksgiving!
I prefer Eucharist, myself, since Communion, technically is only the distribution of the elements and thus only one of the four-fold actions.
However, common usage in the UMC is indeed "Communion".
Sunday Dinner don't cut it.
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