Communion / Eucharist
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of Communion / Eucharist
In Christian theology, Communion (from “common union”), Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving), and The Lord’s Supper all refer to the same central practice instituted by Jesus on the night before His crucifixion (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 11).
Although traditions differ in interpretation, Christians universally understand Communion as:
a sacrament given by Jesus,
a memorial of His death,
a participation in His life,
a sign of unity, and
a foretaste of the Kingdom to come.
At its core, the Eucharist is encounter with Christ and participation in the gospel.
1. Communion Is Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
Jesus gave bread and wine and said:
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
— Jesus (Luke 22:19)
This is not passive memory but an active, worshipful recalling of the saving work of Christ.
Theologian John Stott wrote:
“In the Eucharist, we remember not only that Christ died but why He died, and for whom He died.”
It is the church’s continual return to the cross.
2. The Eucharist Is Thanksgiving
The Greek name for it—Eucharist—literally means thanksgiving.
Alexander Schmemann, an Orthodox theologian, explains:
“The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Kingdom… the great thanksgiving, the offering of the world to God in Christ.”
Communion is gratitude embodied:
for grace,
for redemption,
for forgiveness,
for Christ Himself.
3. Communion Is Participation in Christ
Paul uses a crucial word: koinōnia—participation, sharing, fellowship.
“The cup of blessing… is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?
The bread… is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 10:16)
This means Communion is not just symbolic. It is relational and participatory:
believers share in what Christ has done
Christ shares His life with them
As Ignatius of Antioch (1st–2nd century) said:
“The Eucharist is the medicine of immortality and the antidote against death.”
4. Communion Is Unity in the Body of Christ
Sharing one bread makes the Church one body.
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 10:17)
This is why Communion is always communal.
The early church father Cyprian wrote:
“The sacrament of the Eucharist is the bond of Christian unity.”
John Calvin echoed this:
“In the Lord’s Supper we are made one with Christ and with one another.”
Eucharist forms, nourishes, and expresses the unity of believers.
5. Communion Is Spiritual Nourishment
Christians believe Communion strengthens and sustains spiritual life.
Jesus said:
“My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.”
— Jesus (John 6:55)
Augustine described this spiritual nourishment beautifully:
“Believe, and you have eaten.”
Communion feeds faith and restores the soul.
6. Communion Is Covenant Renewal
Jesus said:
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”
— Jesus (Luke 22:20)
The Eucharist renews the relationship between God and His people.
Jeremiah, foretelling this, said God would write His law on hearts (Jer. 31:31–33). Christians believe
Communion is part of living in this new covenant reality.
Theologian N.T. Wright explains:
“The Eucharist is the moment when God’s past, present, and future meet. It renews covenant loyalty and strengthens the people of God for their mission.”
7. Communion Is an Anticipation of the Heavenly Feast
Christians believe Communion is a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
Jesus said He would eat it again in the Kingdom:
“I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
— Jesus (Matthew 26:29)
This gives the Eucharist a future orientation—it looks forward to:
resurrection,
restoration,
and the full presence of God.
C.S. Lewis wrote:
“At the Eucharist, heaven and earth meet; time collapses into eternity.”
8. Communion Is a Means of Grace
Many Christian traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, even many Reformed) describe Communion as a means of grace—a channel through which God actively works.
John Wesley said:
“The Lord’s Supper is the grand channel through which the grace of His Spirit is conveyed to the souls of all the children of God.”
This means God acts in Communion, shaping hearts and transforming lives.
9. Communion Is an Act of Obedience and Worship
Jesus didn’t suggest Communion—He commanded it.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
“In the Supper, the Church obeys the command of her Lord and receives His promise.”
It is therefore:
an act of worship,
an act of obedience,
an act of surrender.
It is liturgy in the deepest sense.
10. Communion Is a Mystery
Virtually all Christian traditions agree on this:
Communion is a holy mystery.
We understand its meaning, but the depth of Christ’s presence in it goes beyond full explanation.
As the Eastern Orthodox liturgy says:
“We partake of the holy mysteries.”
Karl Rahner put it memorably:
“The Eucharist is the mystery in which the whole of the Christian faith is concentrated.”
Summary: What Communion / Eucharist Means in Christianity
Communion / Eucharist is:
✔ thanksgiving and worship
✔ remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice
✔ participation in Christ’s life
✔ unity with the Church
✔ spiritual nourishment
✔ covenant renewal
✔ anticipation of the Kingdom
✔ a means of grace
✔ a holy mystery
✔ obedience to Christ’s command
Or, in the succinct words of Irenaeus (2nd century):
“Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist shapes our way of life.”
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
Bread broken and shared.
A cup poured out.
A banquet of love.
In Daily Faith:
In Communion, we remember Christ’s death and anticipate His return, joining as one body.
In Daily Life: Living Out the Meaning of Communion / Eucharist
Communion is not only a weekly or occasional ritual—it has profound implications for daily Christian living. By reflecting on the meaning of the Eucharist, believers are encouraged to grow in faith, love, and obedience, embodying the presence of Christ in every area of life.
1. Remember Christ’s Sacrifice in Everyday Choices
The Eucharist reminds us of Jesus’ self-giving love and sacrifice.
Application: Let Christ’s sacrificial love guide your interactions, priorities, and decisions. Ask, “Am I living in a way that reflects His love and service?”
Scripture: Romans 12:1 — "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Encouragement: Each small act of love or service can be an extension of the Eucharist, offering your life as spiritual worship.
2. Cultivate a Spirit of Thanksgiving
Eucharist means “thanksgiving,” encouraging believers to live with gratitude.
Application: Begin each day thanking God for His grace, provision, and presence. Write down daily blessings and practice joyful reflection.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Encouragement: Gratitude transforms perspective, reminding you that every moment of life is part of God’s story of redemption.
3. Participate in Christ Through Prayer and Word
Communion invites relational participation in Christ’s life.
Application: Daily communion with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and meditation keeps you in fellowship with Him. Reflect on how His presence guides your words, thoughts, and actions.
Scripture: John 15:4 — "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine."
Encouragement: Every act of obedience or love becomes a living extension of the Eucharist, sharing Christ’s life with the world.
4. Foster Unity with Others
Communion emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ.
Application: Seek reconciliation and peace with others. Promote harmony, forgiveness, and mutual care in your family, church, and community.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 — "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Encouragement: Every effort to love and forgive others strengthens the Church and reflects the oneness celebrated in Communion.
5. Draw Strength and Nourishment for Daily Life
The Eucharist is spiritual food for the soul.
Application: Turn to Christ daily for guidance, strength, and renewal. Use Scripture, prayer, and meditation as “spiritual meals” to nourish your heart.
Scripture: John 6:35 — "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
Encouragement: Let Christ’s presence sustain you through challenges, giving spiritual energy to love and serve others.
6. Live in Covenant Faithfulness
The Eucharist reminds believers of the new covenant.
Application: Align your daily life with God’s will, keeping commitments to His Word and His purposes. Let covenant faithfulness guide honesty, integrity, and devotion.
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:33 — "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
Encouragement: Daily choices are opportunities to live covenantally, reflecting God’s grace to those around you.
7. Anticipate the Kingdom
Communion points to the heavenly feast, inspiring hope and endurance.
Application: Maintain an eternal perspective. Let hope in Christ shape your attitude toward trials, joy, and daily priorities.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1–2 — "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Encouragement: Living with a Kingdom mindset transforms ordinary tasks into acts of worship and prepares you for the eternal celebration with Christ.
8. Embrace Communion as a Means of Grace in Daily Life
Communion conveys God’s grace into ordinary life.
Application: Invite God’s transforming power into daily routines—work, relationships, and challenges. Pray for His Spirit to act in your heart and the lives of others.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 — "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Encouragement: Each day is a living sacrament when God’s grace flows through you, extending Christ’s love to the world.
9. Practice Obedience and Worship Continuously
The Eucharist is a call to obedience and worship.
Application: Obey Christ’s commands in daily choices—kindness, justice, prayer, and love. Make every action an offering to Him.
Scripture: John 14:15 — "If you love me, keep my commands."
Encouragement: Obedience becomes an ongoing Eucharist, reflecting Christ in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.
10. Live in Awe of the Mystery of God
Communion is a holy mystery reminding believers of God’s greatness.
Application: Approach life with reverence and wonder, recognizing God’s presence in the unseen and extraordinary ways He works.
Scripture: Psalm 111:10 — "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding."
Encouragement: Daily mindfulness of God’s mystery fosters humility, worship, and trust, keeping your heart attuned to His will.
Summary Practical Advice:
Daily living in the light of Communion means remembering Christ’s sacrifice, giving thanks, participating in His life, seeking unity, drawing strength, living covenantally, anticipating the Kingdom, embracing grace, practicing obedience, and living in awe. Each day becomes an extension of the Eucharist—where believers’ lives reflect Christ’s presence in action, love, and faithfulness.
Scripture References:
Luke 22:19–20 (NIV)
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
1 Corinthians 10:16–17 (NIV)
16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
John 6:35 (NIV)
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Jeremiah 31:33 (NIV)
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV)
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
John 14:15 (NIV)
15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”