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The spiritual significance of the eucharist

By Moji George
22 January 2017   |   12:40 am
The Passover, which God instituted for the Jews (Exodus 12:14), was a symbolic meal eaten before they left the bondage of Egypt for the freedom of The Promised Land.
Moji George, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria West.

Moji George, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria West.<br />

The Passover, which God instituted for the Jews (Exodus 12:14), was a symbolic meal eaten before they left the bondage of Egypt for the freedom of The Promised Land. Christ Jesus celebrated this Jewish feast on the day before His crucifixion (Mark 14:12-26). In Christendom today, that meal is called The Last Supper. The Christian Service that commemorates The Last Supper is known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion. It was instituted by Christ Jesus (Luke 22:19). Usually, it involves the consecration of unleavened bread and wine by a priest, after which, members of the congregation, confirmed in the faith, partake of it.

Did Jesus intend the Eucharist to be only a literal, but in some way, mysterious, eating and drinking of His human flesh and blood? Most likely not, since Paul reminds us in I Cor. 15:50 that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Christian author, Mary Baker Eddy, gives an insight into the spiritual significance of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, in her book, Science and Health with key to the Scriptures. She writes that the true sense is spiritually lost, if the sacrament is confined to the use of bread and wine. So, the spiritual significance of this important and symbolic Christian Sacrament – Holy Communion, is partaking in the nature and life of Christ. To partake in Christ’s nature is to be Christ-like in thought, motive and affection – to be a practicing Christian. To partake in Jesus’ life is to take up the cross daily and learn to do the works He did – healing both sin and sickness. It also means enduring and rising above persecutions that attend being a true Christian.

After the crucifixion, the discouraged disciples went back to their occupation of fishing, without success. Then, after Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to them on the shore of the Tiberian sea, where they were fishing. He reminded them of their mission to feed His sheep (John 21:1-17). Thereafter, they went forth, rejoicing to take up the cross and work for Christ. Therefore, the Christian of today should not limit the Eucharist only to the symbolism of consuming bread and wine, but also embrace and celebrate the joy of working for and communing with Christ, on a moment by moment basis.
Moji George, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria West.

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