The “Dogmatics” of Communion: Reflections on the Two Commingling Rites of the Mass

Eucharistic communion leads to believers’ union with the Triune God and with the Church through the other communicants. This paper reflects on the dogmatic significance of communion in the light of the two comminglings. The first commingling, that of wine and water, is part of the Offertory, and signifies the incarnation of the Word, who became partaker of our humanity. In the light of this rite, communicants are united with God according to the mode of the incarnation. The second commingling points to the union of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Communion for the salvation of our souls and leads us to eternal life. Those who partake in the Eucharist, experience the outpouring of the Paschal mystery of Christ in the Holy Spirit.