The Liturgy of the EucharistBy Rev. Stephen GauthierGreenhouse CaLLiNGSeptember 1, 2012

The Lord’s command Take, eat…Drink of it, all of you…

(Matthew 26:26-27) Do this in remembrance of me.

(Luke 22:19)

Gospel accountsInstitution of the Lord’s Supper

Matthew 26:26-28Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,  for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 14:22-24And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Luke 22:19-20And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Common elements Same four actions (“shape of the Liturgy”)

Took (offertory) Blessed/gave thanks* (Eucharistic prayer) Broke (Breaking of the bread – fraction) Gave (Communion)

Same description of the elements My body My blood

*Jews used a “blessing” to “give thanks” (Greek = Eucharist)

Feeding of the 5,000Link to Eucharist

Matthew 14:19-20…and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied.

Mark 6:41-42And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied.

Luke 9:16-17And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were satisfied.

Of special note… Same four basic actions as in the

institution narrative (“shape of the Liturgy”)

Emphasis on the role played by the disciples

All were satisfied

The Church of the New Testament

CorinthFor I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (I Cor. 11:23-25)

Part of “the faith once delivered” I received from the Lord what I also

delivered to you “Delivered” = “handed on” (Latin =

tradition) Not mere custom, but something received

from the Lord and faithfully passed on by the apostles to the church …the faith that was once for all delivered to the

saints. (Jude 1:3)

At the core of church life And they devoted themselves to the

apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)

When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat…(1 Corinthians 11:20)

The Apostles John and PaulMeaning of the Lord’s supper

John No institution narrative Teaching on Eucharist provided instead

in context of the feeding of the 5,000 Church’s understanding of special place of

John’s Gospel John “the theologian”

Feeding of the 5,000Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” (John 6:11-12)

Bread of lifeI am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)

Living bread from heavenYour fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:48-51)

True food and true drinkThe Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. (John 6:52-57)

Paul Teaching in context of correction of

abuses by the Church at Corinth

Participation in the body and blood of ChristThe cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (I Corinthians 10:16)

Source of unityBecause there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)

Origin of creedal statement on the “communion of saints” Term “saints” ambiguous in both Greek

and Latin Holy “people” Holy “things”

Historically, primary meaning = Eucharist

“Holy things for Holy People” (Eastern Liturgy) Book of Common Prayer: the gifts of God for

the people of God

Proclaim the Lord’s death For as often as you eat this bread and drink

the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26) Proclaim = make present

The Early Church

Jewish worship Seder

Ritual meal Temple worship

Sacrifice Synagogue worship

Readings and teaching Prayers

Earliest Eucharist In the context of a common meal, like a

Seder 1 Corinthians

Developments Practical difficulties with common meal Christians banned from synagogues and

temple

Resulting form Liturgy of the Word

Roots in synagogue worship Liturgy of the Table

Roots in Seder/temple worship

Timing Early practice = each Sunday

Lord’s appearances to the gathered disciples On Easter Sunday (John 20:19-23)

Also to disciples on road to Emmaus (who report back that very night) Then they told what had happened on the road, and

how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:35)

One week later (John 20:26-29)

Witness of Justine Martyr Church of Rome

Tradition of Peter and Paul About 150 AD First Apology (65-67)

Two testimonies Eucharist immediately following baptism

(65-66) Regular Sunday Eucharist (67)

Eucharist immediately following baptismJustin Martyr

Prayers of the PeopleBut we, after we have washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brothers assembled. There we offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized [illuminated] person. We pray also for all others in every place, that we may be considered worthy, now that we have learned the truth, also to be found good citizens and keepers of the commandments by our works, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation.

Special note… Those preparing for baptism were

dismissed before the prayers of the people

Kiss of peaceWhen the prayers are ended, we greet one another with a kiss.

OffertoryThen bread and a cup of wine mixed with water is brought to the president of the brethren.

Prayer of Thanksgiving/Eucharistic Prayer and “Amen”He takes them, giving praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable length for our being considered worthy to receive these things at His hands. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all the people present express their assent by saying Amen. The word Amen means "so be it" in Hebrew.

CommunionWhen the president has given thanks and all the people have expressed their agreement, those who are called deacons give to each of those present the bread and the wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving has been pronounced. They carry away a portion to those who are absent.

Only the baptized may receive communionThis food is called among us the Eucharist. No one is allowed to participate but the man who believes that the things we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is living as Christ has commanded.

Why limited to the baptizedWe do not receive these as common bread and common drink. As Jesus Christ our Savior, made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so similarly we have been taught that the food blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. For the apostles, in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have delivered unto us what was commanded to them: Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, said, "This do in remembrance of Me, this is My body." After the same manner, having taken the cup and given thanks, He said, "This is My blood;" and gave it to them alone.

Regular Sunday EucharistJustin Martyr

Gathering on Sunday On the day called Sunday, all who live in

cities or in the country gather together in one place.

Why Sunday?Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God worked a change in the darkness and matter and made the world. On the same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead. He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day… of the Sun, He appeared to His apostles and disciples.

Readings and homilyThe memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the president teaches and urges us to imitate these good things.

Prayers of the peopleThen we all rise together and pray. . .

OffertoryWhen our prayer is ended, bread, wine and water are brought…

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Eucharistic prayer) and “Amen”

…and the president offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen.

CommunionThere is a distribution to each and a participation of that over which thanks have been given. . .

CollectionThose who are well to do and willing give what each thinks appropriate. What is collected is deposited with the president, who helps the orphans and widows.

Early Prayer of Thanksgiving/ Eucharistic PrayerHippolytus of Rome (Apostolic Tradition)About 225

Opening dialogueThe Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord.

That is right and just.

ThanksgivingWe thank you, God, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to us in these last times as Savior, Redeemer and Messenger of your plan, he who is your inseparable Word, by whom you created all things and whom in your good pleasure you sent from heaven into the bosom of a virgin, and who, having been conceived, became incarnate and manifested himself as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and of the virgin. It is he who, fulfilling your will and acquiring for you a holy people, stretched out his hands while he suffered to deliver from suffering those who trust in you.

Words of institutionAt the time he voluntarily was giving himself over to suffering to destroy death and break the chains of the devil, to trample hell under foot, to lead the righteous to light, to establish the rule (of faith) and to manifest the resurrection, taking bread, he gave you thanks and said: ‘Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you.’ In the same manner the cup, saying: ‘This is my blood which is shed for you. When you do this, do it in remembrance of me.’

Remembrance (anamnesis) and offeringRecalling his death and resurrection, we offer you this bread and this cup, thanking you for having judged us worthy to stand before you and to serve you as priests.

Prayer for the Holy Spirit (epiclesis)We ask you to send your Holy Spirit on this offering of the holy Church. In gathering them together, grant all those who participate in your holy mysteries to share in them so as to be filled with the Holy Spirit for the strengthening of their faith in the truth, so that we might praise and glorify you…

Doxology and “Great Amen”…through your Son, Jesus Christ, by whom are given to you glory and honor with the Holy Spirit in the holy Church, now and for ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer after communionGod Almighty, the Father of the Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ, we give you thanks because you have imparted to us the reception of the holy mystery: let it not be for guilt or condemnation, but for the renewal of soul and body and spirit, through your only Son, through whom to you, with him and with the Holy Spirit be glory and might now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

Basic elements of the Eucharistic Prayer Thanksgiving Words of Institution Anamnesis (remembrance = making

present) Offering (joining in Christ’s one offering) Epiclesis (prayer for the Holy Spirit)

Transform gifts/transform recipients Cf. prayer of Elijah at Mt. Carmel

Doxology and Great Amen

Connection to broader ChurchIgnatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians and Letter to the SmyrneansAbout 110

One EucharistTake care, therefore, to participate in one Eucharist (for there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ and one cup that leads to unity through his blood – there is one altar, just as there is one bishop, together with the presbyters and the deacons, my fellow servants), in order that whatever you do, you do in accordance with God.

Link to bishopLet no one do anything that has to do with the church without the bishop. Only that which is under the authority of the bishop (or whomever he himself delegates) is to be considered valid. Wherever the bishop appears, there let the congregation be; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the church catholic. It is not permissible either to baptize or to hold a love feast without the bishop. But whatever he approves is also pleasing to God, in order that everything you do may be trustworthy and valid.

Why link to bishop? Witness across time

Link to the apostles Witness across space

Unity with other Christians

The Eucharist todayThe Book of Common Prayer

Basic structure Basic structure

Liturgy of the Word We meet God in His word

Liturgy of the Table We meet God in His sacrament

Procession History – practical necessity

Accompanied by singing Latin “introit”

Visible sign of the assembly coming together Church = “called out” (Greek)

Acclamation We enter God’s sanctuary with praise

Blessed be God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit/and blessed be his kingdom, now and forever

Alleluia, Christ is risen/the Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia

Blessed be the Lord who forgives all our sins/his mercy endures forever

Collect for purity We need God’s grace to participate

worthily Almighty God, to you all hearts are open,

all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song of adoration Natural response to being in God’s

presence Glory to God in the Highest (Gloria)

Originally dawn hymn for Easter Lord have mercy (Kyrie)

Vestiges of litany Holy God (Trisagion)

Collect of the day Prayer for the Lord’s presence

The Lord be with you And also with you (“and with your spirit”)

Let us pray Invitation to pray individually

Collect = a collecting of individual prayers Common pattern

Quality of God or deed Petition derived from that fact

Example – quality of God Address: O God,Quality: the protector of all who trust in you,

without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:

Petition: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal;

Closing: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Example – DeedAddress: O God,Deed: you have caused this holy night

to shine with the brightness of the true Light:

Petition: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; Closing: where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Overview - Liturgy of the Word Old Testament (Acts during Easter

season) Psalm New Testament (other than the Gospels) Gospel Creed Prayers of the People Confession of sin Peace

Old Testament reading(Acts during Easter season) Originally read sequentially Fixed lectionary with development of Church

calendar Typically related to Gospel or theme of season

Isaiah read during Advent Common lectionary v. revised common

lectionary And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,

he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27)

Psalm Scripture reading in its own right

We proclaim together so there is no need to respond “thanks be to God”

Selection based on other readings

New Testament Reading (other than Gospel) Semi-continuous reading (with

exceptions)

Alleluia and Gospel We rise to show respect for Christ who

speaks to us Sign of the cross

Cross on Gospel book Three-fold cross on forehead, lips, heart

Three-year cycle A – Matthew, B – Mark, C- Luke John in Eastertide, select feasts, and year

B

Homily Application of God’s word After the reading from the Law and the

Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”(Acts 13:15)

Creed A resounding “yes” to the message we

have heard

Prayers of the people Exercise of priesthood of all believers

Cf. Justin Martyr on the Eucharist following a baptism

Content Needs of the congregation Needs of “people everywhere”

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Confession We need to repent to receive the body

and blood of Christ worthily  Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or

drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.  Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (I Corinthians 11:27-28)

Peace We must be at peace with one another

before we approach the Lord’s table So if you are offering your gift at the altar

and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)

Overview - Liturgy of the Table Great Thanksgiving (Canon/Anaphora)

Dialogue Preface (prayer of thanks and praise) Holy, Holy, Holy/Blessed is he Prayer of thanksgiving for work of

redemption Words of Institution Anamnesis/offering Epiclesis Doxology and Amen

Overview - Liturgy of the Table (cont.) Our Father Breaking of the bread (fraction) Invitation to communion Communion Post-communion prayer Blessing (optional) Dismissal

Preparation (offertory) Presentation of bread and wine Mixing of wine with water

West – Christ becoming one with us East – Christ is true God and true man

indivisibly

Great thanksgiving Dialogue

Invitation to all to enter into the Eucharistic prayer

Preface (prayer of thanks and praise) Tailored to season/occasion

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Holy, Holy, Holy (Latin: sanctus)

Vision of Isaiah (6:2-3) – heavenly worship We join in that heavenly worship

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Blessed is he (Latin: benedictus) Palm Sunday

We welcome Christ’s visitation Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9)

Great thanksgiving Prayer of thanksgiving for the work of

redemption (Prayer A): Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love

you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Words of institution

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Anamnesis/offering (Prayer A)

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Anamnesis/offering (Prayer B)

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; And we offer our sacrifice of praise and

thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Anamnesis/offering (Prayer D)

Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Epiclesis (Prayer A)

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Epiclesis (Prayer B)

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Epiclesis (Prayer D)

Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.

Great Thanksgiving (cont.) Doxology and Amen

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

In Anglican usage, the elements are reverenced at this point “Middle position” (Rome v. East)

Our Father Ideal preparation for communion

Daily bread Mutual forgiveness

Breaking of the bread  Because there is one bread, we who are

many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (I Corinthians 10:17) Communion in holy things

Communion of “saints”(= “holy things”) Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. (I Corinthians 5:7-8)

Invitation to communion The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Translation of Greek – Holy things for holy people.

Communion We are invited to taste, not bread and wine, but the

sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Therefore, when you approach, do not come with your wrists extended or your fingers open, but instead let your left hand serve as a throne for your right, which is about to receive the King, and making a hollow in the palm of your right hand, receive the Body of Christ, saying afterwards, Amen… Then, after partaking of the Body of Christ, approach also the cup of his blood. Do not stretch out your hands, but bend forward and reverently say Amen, and so be sanctified by partaking also of the blood of Christ.

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Teachings on the Sacred Mysteries, 348 A.D.

Post-communion prayerEternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing rites Blessing (optional) Dismissal

Formal sending out

Communion in special circumstances Not a “Eucharist”

Focus on connection with broader church

Approaches to Christ’s presence Transubstantiation

No longer bread and wine Consubstantiation

Both bread and wine and body and blood Receptionism

Christ present spiritually at moment of reception

Memorialism Purely symbolic

Anglican position Formally rejects

Transubstantiation Technical issues Practical issues

Memorialism