How Did the Early Christians Celebrate the Last Supper?

Early Christian painting of Eucharist

I recently got into an online discussion about the Catholic faith with fellow Christians who are concerned that Catholics ask saints to pray for them.  This discussion led to a further discussion about the Last Supper and the Eucharist.  These discussions arose following my most recent posting of the eye-witness account of Justin Martyr's witness to the Christian faith and his subsequent martyrdom that occurred around 155 AD. 

It is amazing that we have access to what the early Church believed and what they witnessed to in historical documents that have preserved for us to this day.  I share these writings with all Christians in hope that the apologetics they provide will be of benefit to all those who seek to understand how the early Church first worshipped and believed. 

But first, regarding our prayers to early Christians martyrs, I asked:  

Do you ask your friends to pray for you? 
If we die with Christ, we will never die, but live forever.  This is our Christian faith. 
When we ask a holy man who died for our faith to pray for us, we do so because he is alive in heaven and he is our friend.  
"The prayer of a righteous person availeth much."  
Yes, Jesus is the only Way to the Father, as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life,  but He does not begrudge us from asking each other to pray for us.  He wants us to pray for one another. And yes, I prayed to Jesus when I prayed Lord, have mercy on us!  May He still find faith when He returns!

I wonder did you have a chance to read Justin's words of witness to Christ? They are bold and powerful and they proclaim the faith of the early Church. This is why I posted what I did. I'm sorry that it is concerning for you for me to ask Justin to pray for us. Would you ask a fellow Christian who was persecuted for their faith to pray for you and help you to withstand the world's persecution? 
I fear you mistake our request for prayers as something that it is not.  
WE WORSHIP ONLY JESUS CHRIST.  

Regarding your other comments: 

If we read the martyr Justin's writings we also read what the earliest Christians believed about the Last Supper and Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, where Jesus proclaims: 

"Let me solemnly tell you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. He who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal, and I will raise him up on the last day.  For my flesh is real food and my blood real drink.  The man who feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.  Just as the Father who has life sent me and I have life because of the Father, so the man who feeds on me will have life because of me"  John 6: 53-57. 

Justin writes in his First Apology (written some time before 150 AD) about how Jesus' Words at the Last Supper were understood and celebrated in the early Church. Jesus said as He was celebrating the Passover on the night before He died: 

"Take and eat it... this is my body.... All of you must drink this ... for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant,  to be poured out for the forgiveness of sins." Mt. 26:26-28, see also Mk 14:22-24; Lk 22: 14-20; 1 Cor. 11: 23-29.  

Reflecting upon these words, and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles and the earliest Church believed this (I quote Justin): 

"We do not consume the eucharistic bread and wine as if it were ordinary food and drink, for we have been taught that as Jesus Christ our Savior became a man of flesh and blood by the power of the Word of God, so also the food that our flesh and blood assimilates for its nourishment becomes the flesh and blood of the incarnate Jesus by the power of his own words contained in the prayer of thanksgiving.
The apostles, in their recollections, which are called gospels, handed down to us what Jesus commanded them to do. They tell us that he took bread, gave thanks and said: Do this in memory of me. This is my body. In the same way he took the cup, he gave thanks and said: This is my blood. The Lord gave this command to them alone. Ever since then we have constantly reminded one another of these things. The rich among us help the poor and we are always united. For all that we receive we praise the Creator of the universe through his Son Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.
On Sunday we have a common assembly of all our members, whether they live in the city or the outlying districts. The recollections of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as there is time. When the reader has finished, the president of the assembly speaks to us; he urges everyone to imitate the examples of virtue we have heard in the readings. Then we all stand up together and pray.
On the conclusion of our prayer, bread and wine and water are brought forward. The president offers prayers and gives thanks to the best of his ability, and the people give assent by saying, “Amen”. The eucharist is distributed, everyone present communicates, and the deacons take it to those who are absent.
The wealthy, if they wish, may make a contribution, and they themselves decide the amount. The collection is placed in the custody of the president, who uses it to help the orphans and widows and all who for any reason are in distress, whether because they are sick, in prison, or away from home. In a word, he takes care of all who are in need.
We hold our common assembly on Sunday because it is the first day of the week, the day on which God put darkness and chaos to flight and created the world, and because on that same day our savior Jesus Christ rose from the dead. For he was crucified on Friday and on Sunday he appeared to his apostles and disciples and taught them the things that we have passed on for your consideration."(end quote).

ALL CHRISTIANS BELIEVED AND LIVED THIS FAITH UP UNTO THE REFORMATION!

I write this because I long for all Christians to understand each other and be united, remembering that on the night before Jesus died, He prayed fervently that WE BE ONE AS HE AND THE FATHER ARE ONE! 

He prayed: 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:20-16)

This is my prayer as well!

May all of us be one, loving one another, as God desires - KNOWING THAT WE MUST BE UNITED IF WE ARE TO STAND AGAINST THE EVIL THAT IS SEEKING TO DESTROY CHRISTIANITY FROM THE MODERN WORLD.

That is why I pray for Christian unity and for all Catholics to be ever ready to give an account for the hope they have in Christ Jesus -- remembering the words of St. Catherine of Siena,

"If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire!"

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the love of the Father and the Son, let us pray:

Come, Blessed Trinity! Set the world on fire with Your Love and Truth! May all Christians know and believe in the Eucharist, God's love, ALIVE among us!

"This (Blessed) Sacrament above all inflames the soul with divine love. "God is love" (1 Jn 3:8). And He is the fire which consumes in our hearts all earthly affections: "The Lord thy God is a consuming fire" (Dt 3:24). Now the Son of God came precisely to kindle this fire of love: "I am come to cast fire in the earth"; and He added that He did not desire other that to see ignited this holy fire in our hearts: "and what will I, but that it be kindled?"(Lk 12:49). And oh what flames of divine love Jesus Christ ignites in each one who devoutly receives Him in this Sacrament!"(Saint Alphonsus Liguori)

There are literally millions of quotes, testimonies and inspiring stories to share regarding our faith in the Eucharist.  

Can you give a testimony of your faith in the Eucharist?

If you have a reason for your hope that has inspired you and others to grow in your faith and in the Eucharist, can you take a moment to share one below?  Whatever you share will be a gift of love for those reading them!

God love you and may you and your family greatly celebrate Corpus Christi not only on one day, but every day and at every Mass!

© Janet Moore 2015. All Rights Reserved. 

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The Powerful Witness of St. Justin Martyr

In the midst of such evil and terrorism, and knowing the great numbers of martyrdoms taking place throughout the world,  it is edifying for me to read about the bravery and the faith of the martyrs of the early Church. May the witness of Justin and the accounting of his words, help us grow in courage and strength and fear of the Lord. 

Justin Martyr, pray for us!  Help us to remain strong and steadfast in our faith even in the midst of persecution and death.  Lord have mercy on us!  Help us to grow in faith and be steadfast in hope, so that you will find faith on the earth when you return!

From the Acts of the martyrdom of Saint Justin and his companion saints
I have accepted the true doctrines of the Christians

The saints were seized and brought before the prefect of Rome, whose name was Rusticus. As they stood before the judgment seat, Rusticus the prefect said to Justin: “Above all, have faith in the gods and obey the emperors.” Justin said: “We cannot be accused or condemned for obeying the commands of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Rusticus said: “What system of teaching do you profess?” Justin said: “I have tried to learn about every system, but I have accepted the true doctrines of the Christians, though these are not approved by those who are held fast by error.”

The prefect Rusticus said: “Are those doctrines approved by you, wretch that you are?” Justin said: “Yes, for I follow them with their correct teaching.”

The prefect Rusticus said: “What sort of teaching is that?” Justin said: “Worship the God of the Christians. We hold him to be from the beginning the one creator and maker of the whole creation, of things seen and things unseen. We worship also the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was foretold by the prophets as the future herald of salvation for the human race and the teacher of distinguished disciples. For myself, since I am a human being, I consider that what I say is insignificant in comparison with his infinite godhead. I acknowledge the existence of a prophetic power, for the one I have just spoken of as the Son of God was the subject of prophecy. I know that the prophets were inspired from above when they spoke of his coming among men.”

Rusticus said: “You are a Christian, then?” Justin said: “Yes, I am a Christian.” The prefect said to Justin: “You are called a learned man and think that you know what is true teaching. Listen: if you were scourged and beheaded, are you convinced that you would go up to heaven?” Justin said: “I hope that I shall enter God’s house if I suffer that way. For I know that God’s favor is stored up until the end of the whole world for all who have lived good lives.”

The prefect Rusticus said: “Do you have an idea that you will go up to heaven to receive some suitable rewards?” Justin said: “It is not an idea that I have; it is something I know well and hold to be most certain.”

The prefect Rusticus said: “Now let us come to the point at issue, which is necessary and urgent. Gather round then and with one accord offer sacrifice to the gods.” Justin said: “No one who is right thinking stoops from true worship to false worship.”

The prefect Rusticus said: “If you do not do as you are commanded you will be tortured without mercy.” Justin said: “We hope to suffer torment for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so be saved. For this will bring us salvation and confidence as we stand before the more terrible and universal judgment-seat of our Lord and Savior.”

In the same way the other martyrs also said: “Do what you will. We are Christians; we do not offer sacrifice to idols.”

The prefect Rusticus pronounced sentence, saying: “Let those who have refused to sacrifice to the gods and to obey the command of the emperor be scourged and led away to suffer capital punishment according to the ruling of the laws.” Glorifying God, the holy martyrs went out to the accustomed place. They were beheaded, and so fulfilled their witness of martyrdom in confessing their faith in their Savior.

RESPONSORY Acts 20:21, 24; Romans 1:16

I have preached faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and now I fear no danger.

— I do not count my life more precious than my work, which is to finish my course, the task of preaching and proclaiming the good news of God’s grace.

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is God’s power at work, bringing salvation to all who believe in it, Jew first and then Greek.

— I do not count my life more precious than my work, which is to finish my course, the task of preaching and proclaiming the good news of God’s grace.

- See more at: http://divineoffice.org/0601-or/?title=Jun+01%2C+Office+of+Readings+for+St.+Justin%2C+M&date=20150601#sthash.a3sCfKm2.dpuf

The Living Water of the Holy Spirit by St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Saint Peter's Basilica.

I wanted to share this beautiful reflection as we continue to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to come and renew the face of the earth!  Holy Spirit, Come!

From a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop
The living water of the Holy Spirit

The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of living water, welling up into eternal life. This is a new kind of water, a living, leaping water, welling up for those who are worthy. But why did Christ call the grace of the Spirit water? Because all things are dependent on water; plants and animals have their origin in water. Water comes down from heaven as rain, and although it is always the same in itself, it produces many different effects, one in the palm tree, another in the vine, and so on throughout the whole of creation. It does not come down, now as one thing, now as another, but while remaining essentially the same, it adapts itself to the needs of every creature that receives it.

In the same way the Holy Spirit, whose nature is always the same, simple and indivisible, apportions grace to each man as he wills. Like a dry tree which puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears the fruit of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit. Although the Spirit never changes, the effects of this action, by the will of God and in the name of Christ, are both many and marvelous. The Spirit makes one man a teacher of divine truth, inspires another to prophesy, gives another the power of casting out devils, enables another to interpret holy Scripture. 

The Spirit strengthens one man’s self-control, shows another how to help the poor, teaches another to fast and lead a life of asceticism, makes another oblivious to the needs of the body, trains another for martyrdom. His action is different in different people, but the Spirit himself is always the same. In each person, Scripture says, the Spirit reveals his presence in a particular way for the common good.

The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well.

As light strikes the eyes of a man who comes out of darkness into the sunshine and enables him to see clearly things he could not discern before, so light floods the soul of the man counted worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit and enables him to see things beyond the range of human vision, things hitherto undreamed of.

© Janet Moore 2015. All Rights Reserved

Photo credit: Wiki Commons: taken by Dnalor 01 of:

Gian Lorenzo Bernini - Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, stained glass, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican)

Holy Spirit, Come! Renew Us in Courage, in Faith and Hope and Renew our Land!

Detail of Pentecost, painted by Jean II Restout, 1732.

I was praying in adoration this morning and felt an overwhelming desire to pray for the Holy Spirit.

We have been reading Jesus say to us (in the daily Mass readings from John), again and again, that we can ask the Father for whatever we wish in Jesus' Name and the Father will give it to us!

Out of everything we could ask for,
I know there is no greater gift than the Holy Spirit.
There is NOTHING we need more
So, I began to pray for the Holy Spirit to come and renew us and to set us on fire!

I was praying for the Holy Spirit to come to us as He did upon the apostles --filling us as He did them with Fire and Courage and Light and Truth.
And it was by their words and example that THE WORLD WAS FOREVER CHANGED!

As I was praying for the Holy Spirit,
I realized that THIS is the time of the Church year that we are all called to pray for the Holy Spirit, participating in Spirit (pun intended) in the First Novena of prayer, when the apostles were awaiting the GREAT GIFT that Jesus promised after He ascended into Heaven.

Every year, I pray the Novena of the Holy Spirit - praying for His seven gifts to be poured out upon us, but this year... I forgot.  It completely slipped my mind in the busyness of daily life!

But the Holy Spirit reminded me! 

So, joining with Jesus, confident that what He told us is true regarding Our Father's Love for us and His desire to give us every good gift,
I share this to invite you to pray with me, the prayer that I was inspired to pray this morning.

Dear Holy Spirit,
I ask for You to come upon me and overshadow me as I seek to speak and write in your Name...
Come upon all those who hear and read the words you have given.

I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill my family,
my friends,
my Church,
my city and nation,
and the entire world.

Fill us and renew us! Empower us for your glory and honor!

(Singing...)

Holy Spirit, Come!
Holy Spirit, Come! 
Holy Spirit Come, Lord!
Holy Spirit come! 

Cleanse me of my sin! 
Cleanse me of my sin!
Cleanse me of my sin, Lord!
Cleanse me of my sin. 

I will follow you!
I will follow you! 
I will follow you, Lord!
I will follow you! 

Holy Spirit, Come!
Holy Spirit, Come! 
Holy Spirit, Come! 
Lord Holy Spirit, Come! (end song)

The Spirit is our Answer!
The Spirit is the Love
and Mercy
and Truth of the Trinity
manifested to us and living in our hearts!

ALIVE

We beg the Holy Spirit to come upon us -
to fill us and renew us and so lift us and transform us,
that the entire world is transformed
by our own transformation.

Setting the world on fire
 To be Open,
              Begging,
                      Receiving
Surely receiving!
Whatever we ask the Father in Jesus's name!

May we prepare a place for you to dwell!
And be open to Your Overwhelming Love and
Power and Presence,

Praying and singing...

Holy Spirit, Come!
Holy Spirit, Come! 
Holy Spirit, Come, Lord!
Holy Spirit, Come!

Light us on fire!
Fill us with courage and strength and love beyond imagining!
Fill our minds and lips with your truth,
and our hands with your loving kindness and sacrifice
so that we become channels of your peace!

Encouraging,
strengthening,
inspiring,
transforming
By the glory of your Spirit
Living Person of Divinity

ALIVE
in our souls
our bodies
our lives...

The Comforter
Advocate
Defense Attorney...

Raising up a mighty army filled with
Divine Love,
Life,
Truth,
Mercy and
Goodness!

Changing ourselves, our homes, our neighborhoods, the world around us,
IF we band together in prayer and fasting
begging the Holy Spirit to come upon us and renew us and the world! 

And with and in and through Him,
calling forth
Divine mercy and
Consecration!

Begging for all the graces of the Most Holy Trinity that have not been accepted -
all those that have been rejected, discarded, and ignored.
Pour these graces forth upon me and upon all those of goodwill
That we may receive
these infinite graces God longs to give us,
and so become overflowing fountains of Divine Life!

O, Blessed Trinity,
You are our only Hope,
our only Joy!
You are all powerful and can change things in the blink of an eye!

Trusting in Your Love for us and Your Power to save,
we band together and pray for the Holy Spirit to come so fully
upon our hearts and our land,
that You can once again RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH!

Dear Mary,
our Mother and Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
please intercede with us and for us
that we may love,
and receive,
and be willing hand-servants
open to the power of the Holy Spirit
ALIVE in our hearts,
in order to bring forth Christ into our world anew each day!
Amen.

© Janet Moore 2015. All Rights Reserved.
Photo credit: Public Domain.

Our Lady of Fatima in Words and Pictures

I fell in love with Our Lady of Fatima as a little girl. On this the Feast of Our Lady -- in great love for the gift we have been given -- I share a detailed outline of the messages and events that took place nearly 100 years ago. Because the significance of these events is not just for the past, but continues to be as relevant today as they were when the first occurred.

For example, on this day in 1981, Pope John Paul II (now Saint) survived the "sure and certain" assassination attempt on his life, in which a trained gunman's bullets struck him four times at close range from a semi automatic pistol. 

St. John Paul II always attributed his life being saved to Our Blessed Mother, saying "One hand fired and another hand guided the bullet." In fact, a year later, also on this day in 1982, he made a pilgrimage to Fatima in thanksgiving, saying: 

"As soon as I regained consciousness after the attack in St. Peter's Square my thoughts turned to this shrine and I wanted to express here my gratitude to our Heavenly Mother for having saved my life.... there are no mere coincidences in the designs of Divine Providence."

May we, like St. John Paul, know and trust in the words of Our Mother: 

"My Immaculate Heart will never abandon you, but will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God."

And take the time to read these messages -- alone or with your family.  

So that, by praying the rosary and making sacrifices, we can unite with Our Blessed Mother's prayers in order to obtain peace for the world and the salvation of souls in this increasingly troubled and violent world -- ever confident in Christ's desire and power to save us!

© Copyright 2015.  Janet Moore. All Rights Reserved.