Holy communion is something celebrated throughout the life of a Christian. Unlike Baptism, which is a one-time celebration and dedication, Holy Communion is given every week at church, and sometimes more often than that. In 1 Corinthians, communion began with these words:
And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
When a church community celebrates communion, they are acknowledging and giving thanks for the things Christ did for all of them. During Communion, the church shares in the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine. This is often done with small, unleavened pieces of bread, eaten in conjunction with a prayer, and followed by a small sip of wine, also accompanied by prayer. The bread and the wine are called “the elements,” and they stand for the body and blood of Jesus, which was given to everyone to atone for the sins of the world.
The commandment for communion came at the Last Supper. Jesus knew he was going to die soon. While he was enjoying a meal with his disciples, he told them that one of the twelve would soon betray him. He then broke the bread and commanded that they do this in remembrance of him; the same followed with the drinking of the wine.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Holy Communion involves a change in the actual substances of bread and wine. Called “transubstantiation,” this change means the bread and wine change into the body and blood of Christ. They retain their same appearance and texture, but the very essence of them becomes something holy as the Communion is given and accepted.
Taking Communion together is one of the most important parts for many church families, as it gives them the opportunity to strengthen their bond and feel more as “one” with the others in the congregation. Communion is seen as a celebration of faith, one that accepts what was done for the world by Christ, but also shows promise that He will return one day.
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