History of the Eucharist

By Josho
  • 100

    Last Supper

    The mass really began with the Lord's Last Supper. This was when Jesus celebrated passover before he died.
    When he took the bread and wine he told his disciples that it is a sign of his presence among them.
    Like the Jewish, the Christians considered the meal a sacred act, so they said Jesus' words, then shared a meal complete with music, talk and laughter.
    However, Paul became concerned about all the merrymaking and drunkenness, and so the meal was ended.
  • Period: 100 to 320

    1st to 3rd Centuries

    During this time and up until 313CE the Eucharist remained a simple celebration in the homes.
    The Eucharist was described as:
    "On the first day of the week, all people assembled together. The writings of the apostles and prophets were read. Then they all rise together and offer prayers.When the prayers are finished, the bread, wine and water are brought in."
    Communion was received in the hand and people were able to take home communion for those who were absent.
    There was no daily Eucharist.
  • Period: 320 to 700

    4th to 7th Centuries

    With the arrival of Emperor Constantine, Christianity became legal. Constantine protected the Church from prosecution and bestowed his patronage on its leaders, the Bishops, and financed the building of Churches.
    The Eucharist was now celebrated in Basilicas where the ceremony included processions, genuflection, candles, incense and priests wore vestments.
    In the 6th and 7th centuries Rome became the symbol of unity.
    The prayers were no longer improvised and books were introduced.
  • Period: 700 to

    8th Century to 1969

    The priest celebrated the Eucharist with his back to the people. There was no participation by the laity in the Mass except for the singing of hymns.
    The clergy's role in the Mass rose in status, he alone read the readings.
    The elevation of the consecrated bread and wine gave them the sense that the host was an object with "special powers".
    People considered themselves unworthy of communion. They believed that they needed to have the sacrament of penance each time before they recieved communion.

  • Liturgical Reforms of Vatican II

    The Mass was emphasised as the celebrating community, in which all present had a role to play in the Liturgy. Readings were read by the Laity.
    The vernaular was used, which was the language of the people. Communion was recieved under both kinds: bread and wine.
    More scripture and homilies were included.
    The priest turned around and faced the people.
    The prayers of the Faithful, procession of Gifts, sign of Peace, singing of hymns, responses and acclamations are all restored.