by Luke Williams, Seminarian

The last two Tidbits focused on the sacraments in general, and on baptism. This column will be exploring the second of two sacraments for Presbyterians: Communion.

Almost every Christian denomination celebrates the Eucharist in some form. It is called several things: Communion, the Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, the Mass, the Divine Liturgy, and others. Some regard it as one sacrament among seven, or one among two, or simply as an ordinance. The three primary terms used by Reformed Christians are Lord’s Supper, Communion, and Eucharist. The most common is the Lord’s Supper; with this term we remember that it was instituted by Christ on the night before he was arrested. It is also called Communion; this reminds us that when we receive the bread and wine we are in communion with Christ, and with all others who share in the feast, both on earth and in heaven. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word “eucharistia" which means gratitude or thanks, and reminds us that we give thanks to God through the Eucharist.

Presbyterians and other reformed Christians base our understanding of the Eucharist on the teachings of Calvin. Calvin taught that there were two sacraments, the ones instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Eucharist.

A primary understanding of the Eucharist for Reformed Christians is that it strengthens us on our spiritual journeys. Calvin taught that the Eucharist should be celebrated weekly, and go hand-in-hand with the reading and proclamation of the word. For Presbyterians, these are two of the primary ways were are strengthened to do Christ’s work in the world.

One of the primary disagreements among Christians regarding the Eucharist has to do with how Christ is present in the elements, or present in the people, or not present at all. Roman Catholics, and some Anglicans teach that the elements change (transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Christ. Lutherans teach that Christ is present by joining with, in, and under the bread (some label the teaching consubstantiation), and some, mostly anabaptists, teach that Christ is not present in the Eucharist at all. Reformed Christians teach a middle position. Calvin and others saw it as idolatrous to confine Christ to the bread and wine, and taught instead that Christ is mystically present (sometimes called pneumonic presence) in the elements. Calvin tended to focus on the people who come to the sacrament rather than the elements themselves, teaching that those who worthily receive the bread and wine are brought into Christ’s and with all those who share in the meal. Calvin summed the teaching up by declaring that Christ’s presence is a mystery, but that Christ was truly present.

Next time you come forward to receive the elements, remember that you are entering Christ’s presence to be nourished for Christ’s service, remember to come with a thankful heart, and remember that you are in the company of all the faithful of all the ages.

published in the SPIRE - June 2008

More Presby-Tidbits: The Sacraments | Baptism