"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." (Mark 14:22-25) These words were spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper as he shared his body and blood with the Apostles. Today's mass includes these words and the spiritual symbols of forgiveness and the new covenant along with the physical symbols associated with the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist like wheat, grapes, and the chalice. Each time one receives the body and blood of Christ during mass, they are accepting Jesus' presence into their lives and strengthening their relationship with God. Through the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, Christians are united in the same beliefs and live the Paschal Mystery which is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Last Supper, the last meal that Jesus …show more content…
There are many significant images associated with the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, most of which are symbols related to the body and blood of Christ. The word symbol comes from another word in the Greek language meaning token. Generally, symbols, or tokens, indicate further importance or meaning beyond their practical image. The wheat used to make the Eucharist we consume is the symbol of the Bread of Life and the body of Christ. It is grown, broken down, and eventually transformed by the work of human hands to become the bread we receive at mass. The wine we drink symbolizes joy,but the grapes themselves and the chalice in which the wine is held in represent the cup of forgiveness and the new agreement we have in Jesus' blood. These symbols, the bread and wine, are woven into the fabrics worn by priests and hung in church, the stained glass windows built into churches, and the books from which we read during mass. The Eucharist itself is the symbol of God and his son