MARCH CLASS — For this month, we attended class at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. We explored the theology of the Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus, his body, blood, soul and divinity. Jesus gave us the Eucharist through bread and wine at the Last Supper. When we celebrate the Holy Mass, the Last Supper is made present again and we receive the real presence of Christ. This intimate and Holy Communion with Jesus is the source and summit of the Catholic Faith. In this course, we closely examined the biblical background for the Eucharist with a special emphasis on the Jewish background.
JEWISH ROOTS — We read the book: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre. The book and our instructor emphasized how important it is to understand Jesus in his Jewish environment. Jesus was raised Jewish, practiced Jewish customs, celebrated Jewish holy days and spoke to audiences in Jewish Synagogues. The Jewish background helped me to better understand Jesus’s words and deeds in regard to the Eucharist and Catholicism as a whole.
SAINT MEINRAD ARCHABBY — It was a real privilege to attend class at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey. This Benedictine Monastery was packed with Christian Art throughout the many passageways and invited people into a peaceful silence that provided a unique spiritual learning environment.
NEXT POST — For April, our class instruction will continue to explore the source and summit of our Faith, the Eucharist! For a complete list of classes and to check of my progress toward completion click Here. Thanks for checking out my post!