Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments (the other is baptism) set by Jesus Christ for his followers. Its practice is handed down from the first disciples of Jesus to subsequent generations through the Church.
Holy Communion, in form, is a corporate meal shared by Christians. Originally, it consisted of a full meal; but today, it is most widely practised as consisting of the primary elements of bread and wine/juice.
- The spiritual significance of the Holy Communion can be understood by the various names that it is called: The Lord’s Supper; the Eucharist; and Holy Communion.
- “The Lord’s Supper” informs us that this is the meal that the Lord Jesus used to explain to his disciples the significance of his death on its eve. It is also the meal in which Jesus is recognised by his disciples. And it is the meal which anticipates Jesus’ return and the heavenly banquet in which all Christians will feast with him in Jesus commanded his disciples to eat this meal “in remembrance” of him.
- “The Eucharist” is literally “the Thanksgiving.” The meal is a celebration of thanksgiving to God for his manifold blessings and salvation, most of all in his giving of his Son, Jesus, for our redemption, reconciliation, and sanctification.
“Holy Communion” enlightens us to the reality of Jesus’ presence being and relating with us as the “crucified and risen Lord,” and our reception of his works of healing, forgiveness, and restoration of wholeness and peace into our lives. Furthermore, in Holy Communion, we are called by Jesus into a true communion with him that must translate into our communion with one another who are also in communion with him.
The Holy Communion does not refer merely to the consumption of a special food and drink that has been blessed. It refers to the gathering of the community of believers at Christ’s invitation, around a common table, and the re-presentation of specific sign-actions of Christ – aspects which all come together as a whole in proclaiming the mystery of the gospel of Christ.