The Holy Eucharist, the unique sacrifice of the New Testament Cover Image

Sfânta Euharistie, jertfă unică a Noului Legământ
The Holy Eucharist, the unique sacrifice of the New Testament

Author(s): Simion Todoran
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Facultatea de Teologie Ortodoxă Alba Iulia
Keywords: Church; ransom; Supper; Christ’s Flesh; Christ’s Blood; the feast of the Passover; eternal life

Summary/Abstract: The most intimate connection between Christians and Jesus Christ the Savior is achieved through the mystery of the Holy Communion, just like He says it Himself: „Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them”, (John 6, 56), because „the one who eats this bread will live for ever” (John 6, 58). All four evangelists connect the celebration of Lord’s Jesus Christ Supper to the „days of the Unleavened Bread”, or the Jewish Easter. The Mosaic Law speaks about the days of the unleavened bread in connection with the feast of the Passover, which was to be celebrated on the evening of 14 to 15 of Nisan. The Lord did not speak to His disciples about this Bread only at the Supper, but also at the synagogue, when He taught them boldly: „the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6, 51), and again: „unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life” (John 6, 53). The Holy Communion makes actual again the unique sacrifice of the New Covenant, brought once and for all by Jesus Christ, the Great Bishop, Who did not save his life but offered Himself to ransom us (Hebr. 8,6; 9, 24-5; Col. 1,4). That is why „as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (I Cor. 11, 26).

  • Issue Year: XIX/2014
  • Issue No: Suppl_1
  • Page Range: 251-270
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Romanian