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The Last Supper
The first Eucharist was The Last Supper when the early community first broke bread in Jesus' name -
Period: 35 to 55
Post Jesus' Death
In the first twenty or so years after Jesus’ death, the breaking of the bread took place within a meal, just as it had at the Last Supper of Jesus. However, from the middle of the first century the blessing of the bread and wine was separated from the meal. The bread and wine were first consecrated in a prayer, which came to be called the eucharistic prayer. -
Period: 55 to 300
The Early Years
Early Christians celebrated the breaking of the bread in response to the command of Jesus at the Last Supper “Do this in memory of me”. The memory of Jesus was kept alive through reading and telling stories, praying and celebrating the Eucharist. These actions encouraged the hope of the early Christians that Jesus would come again. The early Christians believed that in the breaking of the bread they were eating and drinking the Body and Blood of the Lord. -
300
Early 3rd Century
In the beginning of the 3rd century the meal was dropped completely and only the bread and wine were consumed -
Period: 400 to 800
4th to 8th Century
The sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist grew in importance. Around this time the bread was considered too holy for ordinary people so priests would place the bread on the tongue. The emphasis on the divinity of Christ prevented people from receiving Eucharist because they felt unworthy. The church then made people receive Eucharist at least once a year. -
Eucharist Symbol
In the early 16th century the Eucharist symbol was made by a Christian artist Juan de Juanes -
Period: to
Era of the Vatican II
Chruch laws started to change. People were invited to receive the Eucharist either in the hand or on the tongue and to stand at its reception. They were offered the chalice so they could drink the wine, the symbol of Christ’s blood, unlike before. -
Present Day
In the present day, Catholic's receive the Eucharist at every mass. Catholics believe that when one consumes the Eucharist, one is incorporated into Christ and becomes bonded to others who are also part of the body of Christ on Earth.