The Holy Eucharist: Theology and Spirituality

By Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

This is the third in a series of articles examining the theology and spirituality of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

In the previous two articles on the theology and spirituality of the Holy Eucharist, there were outlined a number of important points about the faith of the Church in this central sacrament.

Prayers of the Mass on Feast of Corpus Christi

In a very telling way, almost all these points are expressed in the Prayer texts of Holy Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which we have just celebrated on Sunday, June 3.

The Collect/Opening Prayer of Holy Mass on the solemnity, for example, speaks of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist as the memorial of Christ’s Passion — as does the Preface.

The Holy Eucharist: Theology and Spirituality, part two

By Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

This is the second in a series of articles examining the theology and spirituality of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

We have seen in a previous reflection that the first thing the Holy Eucharist does is proclaim God’s great love for us, above all through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus (i.e., His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension) which is the means of our eternal salvation.

In the light of that great divine love coming to us, through sacramental signs, we need to respond in faith and in love.

The Holy Eucharist: Theology and Spirituality, part one

By Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

This is the first in a series of articles examining the theology and spirituality of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

As we begin this reflection on the theology and spirituality in the Holy Eucharist, it would be well to think first about the meaning of the word “Eucharist” itself. It comes from the Greek, and has two main parts: “Eu” and “charis.”

Meaning of the word

“Eu” means “good.” The basic meaning of “charis” is “gift.” Putting them together, we have “a good gift.” The “good gift” referred to is what God has done for His chosen and beloved People. He has, first of all, created us and given us life.