In Catholic life, The Mass and the Sacrament of the Eucharist are the “source and summit” of the entire Christian life. The Church teaches that in the Sacrament, the bread and wine after the consecratory words truly become the Body and Blood of Christ — a real presence to nourish communion. This article only summarizes the doctrine; it does not quote extensively from the account of the Last Supper.
This doctrine is expressed in the Catechism Part Two and is reinforced by the councils. Readers should compare the official text on the Vatican and the teachings of the local bishop to fully understand worship and communion.
The Gospel of Luke and the letter to the Corinthians record the Lord at the Last Supper, breaking bread, giving the cup, and the command “do this in remembrance of me” — along with the words connecting to the covenant in His blood (Luke 22; 1 Corinthians 11). Please read the full passages in the approved Scripture.
Compare the original text
Open Luke 22:14–20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; do not copy the lengthy verbatim text to reduce duplication and respect the copyright of the translation.
Worship
The Eucharist calls for a posture of reverence: recognizing Christ's presence and living humbly, in communion with the suffering and glorious Church throughout the world.
“Source and Summit” in liturgical doctrine
The liturgical constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Catechism (sections on the Mass and the Eucharist, typically §1323–1327 and the related chapter) refer to the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of the entire Christian life and the mission of the Church. The Mass makes present the unique sacrifice of the Cross under the signs of bread and wine; the remembrance (anamnesis) in Catholic doctrine does not mean “just remembering past events” but is the salvific Sacrifice made present according to the Lord's command. Luke 22:19–20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 must therefore be aligned with the definitions of the Council of Trent and the interpretations in the CCC regarding the real presence of Christ — the bread and wine after consecration are no longer ordinary bread and wine in a theological sense. This directly connects to charity and the responsibility of receiving communion worthily, which canon law and the teachings of bishops often remind us of.
