On Sunday, October 6th, we celebrate World Communion Sunday. This celebration of Christian unity is marked by our shared celebration of the Lord’s Supper. It’s also a day to remember the night of Jesus’ betrayal and sacrifice. The significance of Communion varies across different Christian denominations. The celebration of the Last Supper brings spiritual unity and a connection to God in a special way. Let’s take a look.
How is Communion Celebrated Across Different Denominations?
Different sects of Christianity celebrate communion very differently. Catholics believe that the real presence of Jesus is in the bread and wine and becomes the body and blood of our Lord. Some Protestants share this view, while others believe the celebration is largely symbolic. Orthodox Christians believe in the real presence of Jesus, while Evangelicals view communion from more of a metaphorical perspective. Non-denominations have a broad range of beliefs. Such a broad range of perspectives is one of the most important gifts God has given us.
Spiritual Unity is Another Gift on World Communion Sunday
This Christian holiday celebrates the unity of Christians across the many different denominations. This day reminds us that we are all of one body and one spirit, even though we have differences in how we worship our One God. Catholics will celebrate the Eucharist (communion) at all Masses, while some sects of Protestants celebrate occasionally.
Catholics and the Eucharist
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) defines the Eucharist as:
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving.“
The Eucharist is the center of the Mass, where we come together at the Lord’s table to share in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus, present in the bread and wine. Jesus gives himself to us as spiritual nourishment of his love for us. The hosts and the wine are consecrated by the Priest during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Before receiving the Eucharist, members of the congregation pray the Eucharistic Response:
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.”
These words were spoken by the Centurion in Matthew 8:8 to Jesus, asking for his paralyzed servant to be healed. In receiving the Eucharist, we are asking for our souls to be healed through this divine encounter. St. Ignatius was an early believer in the real presence. An article from Faith & Culture states the reason why:
Because it unites us with Christ, who suffered and was raised, the Eucharist “is the medicine of immortality, the antidote we take in order not to die but to live forever in Jesus Christ.” This “medicine,” however, does not leave us untransformed, for in this case, the medicine is the Physician himself. He is “our never-failing life”.
World Communion Sunday is an opportunity not only to celebrate Jesus giving himself to us through bread and wine but also to bind us with our fellow Christians, centering our lives around Jesus. What are your thoughts on this article? Do you agree or disagree? Comments are encouraged and welcome.
God Bless
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In