ELEMENTS
As the Eucharist is such a large celebration that encompasses almost all of the significant events within Jesus Christ's life into a single liturgical procession, many symbols that represent deeply spiritual meanings and ritual actions that can transcend into our daily lives are used to present the overall message of the Eucharist.
Symbols
Bread
The symbol of Bread, which is located throughout the Eucharistic prayer, is undoubtedly the most important symbol associated with the Eucharist as it encompasses the historical meanings behind the Eucharistic celebration. As stated in the papal encyclical Mysterium Fidei written by Pope Paul VI, the 'marvellous conversion of the whole substance of the bread' symbolises the bread's representation of Jesus's body sacrificed for his disciples at the Last Supper |
Wine
The Wine, much like the Bread, is also another extremely significant symbol that represents not only some historical events from the Bible such as the Wedding of Cana, but also the Blood of Christ that Jesus offered to his disciples at he Last Supper. We are given the opportunity to see this symbol when we are asked to participate in the communion by drinking the Holy Covenant of God |
Oil
Oil is a symbol that is not commonly used in the Mass, and is usually exclusive to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and (occasionally) Holy Orders. Oil is symbolic as it marks someone as distinct from the general population, insinuating they are being selected for a certain mission. In the context of the Eucharist, we are being chosen to live like Christ in our lives that day. |
Holy Garments
Although the white garments are worn exclusively by the priest during all liturgical events, it has particular significance in the Eucharistic celebration as the garments symbolise a re-enactment of Christ as it is a similar attire to his. This means that, when the priest recites the Eucharistic prayer, we are also witnessing a symbolic re-enactment of Jesus at the Last Supper |
Rituals
ic Laying of the Hands
The laying on of hands is an incredibly popular ritual within Catholicism as it can be seen in every single one of the seven sacraments that are practiced in the Church. The laying on of hands on top of another person's head is representative of the Holy Spirit coming down to purify them and give them the strength of Christ. It is also used in the Eucharistic celebration above the to-be consecrated bread and wine to symbolise Jesus' presence entering the gifts. We can see this ritual in our daily life when we outstretch our hands to another person in a handshake or a hug to comfort them or greet them. |
Presentation of Gifts
The Presentation of Gifts refers to when two members of the congregation walk down the central aisle and deliver the gifts of the bread and wine to the priest who is waiting to consecrate them at the altar during the Eucharistic celebration. The Presentation of Gifts represents the welcoming of the bread and wine to Jesus by asking him to bless the offerings. This ritual can also be seen in our daily lives when we travel to another person's house arriving with gifts of food or drink in order to show them our thanks. |
Communion
Although not commonly known or included as a Eucharistic meal, one of the most important ritual actions is most definitely the Communion itself. The communion refers to the process in which members of the eucharistic assembly walk up to one of the ministers and receive the bread of Christ by outstretching their hands or receiving it directly on their tongue. Once again, this rituals models events that occur in our daily lives, such as our sharing in meals with other members of our family |