The Table of the Eucharist and Priesthood (Part 2 of 2)

THE SACRED CHARACTER OF THE ALTAR, PRIESTHOOD AND OF THE EUCHARIST

“Beginning with the Upper Room, the celebration of the Eucharist has a long history, a history as long as that of the Church. In the course of history, there has been changes as to secondary elements, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE ESSENCE OF THE ‘MYSTERIUM’ INSTITUTED BY THE REDEEMER OF THE WORLD AT THE LAST SUPPER.”

There is always a close link between this element of the Eucharist and its sacredness, that is to say, being a holy and sacred action. Holy and sacred, because in it, are the continual presence and action of Christ, “the Holy One of God,” “anointed with the Holy Spirit,” “consecrated by the Father,” “to lay down his life of his own accord and to take it up again,” “and the High Priest of the New Covenant.” “It is Jesus Christ who is “the offeror and the offered, the consecrator and the consecrated.”

Therefore, the Eucharist is a holy and sacred action, because it constitutes the sacred species, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who offered his life, par excellence. So, the priest offers the holy Sacrifice at the altar “in persona Christi,” this means more than offering “in the name of” or “in place of” Christ. “In persona” means in specific sacramental identification with the “eternal High priest, who is the author and principal subject of this sacrifice, a sacrifice in which, in truth, nobody can take his place. In this, the clear connection of the sacredness of the Altar, priesthood and the Eucharist

The Popes, Bishops and Priests of the Church received the same gift of ministerial priesthood during the day ordination. From this gift, the relationships of the two become inseparable – so precious in the eyes of faith in the Church.

From these two points above, somehow, we have laid down the relationship between the Table of the Eucharist and Priesthood. Their relationships are established, though not exhaustively presented as mentioned. (Fr. Edilberto R. Mahinay, STL)