The Eucharist, the Supper of the Lord: Biblical Theological and Ecumenical Reflections

The Eucharist, the Supper of the Lord has its origins both in the Last Supper and in the meals that Jesus shared during his ministry, as manifestations of God’s mercy towards all. It also has the characters of Jewish ritual (thanksgiving, Pesach, covenantal) meals. It is personal encounter with Christ and a communal sacramental meal that creates a sense of fellowship among believers and builds up the Church. Focusing on the biblical theological foundations of the Eucharist bridges the confessional disagreements that arose with the Reformation. The ecumenical insights focus on the personal presence of Christ and reflect the understanding of the Eucharist as memorial (anamnesis) that makes the sacrifice of Christ present. These insights are reflected in the conciliar liturgical reforms and theology. Further liturgical reforms should also be envisaged.