Liturgy of the Eucharist

By _theafrancesca_
  • Period: 30 to 100

    The Early Years

    From around 150 onwards, as the population of Christian believers grew, the Eucharist become separated from the normal passover meal.
  • Period: 30 to 100

    The Early Years

    A couple years after Jesus' death and resurrection, the Christian-Jewish community gathered on the first day of the week to share a meal in order to reflect. They recitied or sang readings, passages and prayers from either the Old Testament or created with the inspiration of the Jesus' death and ressurection in mind.
  • Period: 100 to 300

    Second and Third Centuries

    The second generation retold the stories of the first and reflected on their writings. (At this point, the liturgy was in Greek) After being rejected by the high priests of the synagogue, they added its rituals of singing, praying, chanting and a long homily to the Eucharistic Liturgy. This is now what is known as the Litugy of the Word.
  • Period: 300 to 800

    Fourth to Eighth Centuries

    Latin became the common tongue. Due to increasing numbers, the gatherings move from homes to basillicas. Liturgical wear and books were now created.
  • Period: 800 to 1500

    Ninth to Fifteenth Century

    Christians focused more on adoring our Lord instead of receiving the body. Since almost nobody took communion, a rule was put in place where you must receive it at least once a year. More devotion events were created like the Benediction. Theologians debated if there truly was the body in the Eucharist.
  • Period: 1500 to

    Reformation to Twentieth Century

    The Council of Trent (1545-1563) made sure the church does not abuse its followers. The Council Fathers confirmed the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Roman Missal was made by Pope St Pius the fifth to bring uniformity to the ritual. In 1910, the same Pope permitted children who are "age of reason" to receive the body.

  • The Eucharist Today

    The CONSTITUITION OF THE SACRED LITURGY emphasised the Eucharist as a celebration of the whole COMMUNITY. Changes were made such as:
    - The mass is now celebrated in the common tongue of the land. Sunday readings revolved on a 3 year cycle.
    - The altar was brought closer to the people so that could see it better.
    - The introduction of the Prayers of the Faithful.
    - More roles were created for the mass.