Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Eucharist is one of the sacraments of initiation in which we receive the body and
blood of Christ. It is the source and the summit of the ecclesial life. In CFC 1702, “Eucharist is
called the "sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity and a paschal banquet. It also
called last supper, breaking of the bread, holy mass, sacred meal or thanksgiving. Eucharist as
communion means that all who ate the one blessed, broken Bread that is Christ, were drawn into
communion with Him and with one another, to form one single body with Him. When we
receive the Eucharist, we commune with Jesus and build a closer relationship to Him. When we
accept Him, He became our spiritual Bread of life who gives us physical strength nourishes our
soul and purifies our heart.” 1We also experience communion in the family through having closer
relationship, participating in family affairs, promoting harmony and sharing their blessings to
one another. The Eucharist is important to strengthen one’s relationship to one another. If we
make the Eucharist the center of each Christian family, it might build unity and strength within
Today, some of the families as communities are breaking apart. There is a weakening of
family ties. Some of the factors that diminishes the family ties are misunderstanding, self-
centered, envious, neglect or lack of love and unable to receive and ask for forgiveness.
1
Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; (Manila: ECCE and Word and Life Publications, 1997) , 1702
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“Therefore the absence of parents may destroy the solidarity and unity in the family.” 2 Today’s
situation is really a great challenge for every Filipino Family to look at their spiritual life, the life
that should be nourished and nurtured in the Eucharist. Therefore, the Eucharist as communion
can be one of the sources to deepen and strengthen the family relationships. It is a life that is
centered to Christ. There is a need to be more aware on how the Eucharist may deepen and
strengthen the family life. Knowing that it is the source and summit of Christian life, we are
called to have a deep understanding on how Eucharist as communion can be a help for us. Being
commune with Jesus is also being commune with others. This can be done by eating together,
providing the needs of others and doing an act of charity. By doing those activities, it can
Lastly, this paper will seek to answer the most relevant understanding of the Eucharist as
communion in every Filipino family: How can understanding the Eucharist as communion
This paper is intended for the parents of St. Francis Xavier Parish.
In the first part of the article, we will talk about the context of the Filipino family today.
Then, we will discuss Eucharist as communion. Included in this article will be the development
of communion as a sacred meal in response to human hunger, a sign of unity and a bond of
charity. We will consult the books, articles, scriptures and church teachings such as NCDP, CCC
and CFC to get some information needed on the topic. “The fruits of receiving communion by
2
http://www.slideshare.net/graecha/challenges-and-threats-to-filipino-families. Accessed May 6 , 2014.
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the family are unity with Jesus, liberation from sin, love, mercy, joy, reconciliation and a call to
We will describe Filipino practices that relates to their daily experiences, such as being
hospitable and family-oriented which is being manifested in family bonding. Even though there
are united families who exercise close relationship, there are also families who have problems.
There are families who experience brokenness, parents who go abroad and busy working. Here,
the need of the family and their relationships is given an emphasis. It refers to the relationship
between husband and wife, parents and children, and family to God. Different statements from
articles and books will be used as references in this part. We will cite the insight of Julie Hanlon
Rubio in her book Family Ethics, Practices for Christians to have an idea of the common
concerns of the ordinary family. We will also use the articles of the Filipino priests and laity to
Although we will give emphasis on Eucharist as communion, we will not include the
parts and rite of the liturgy. We would like to give importance to the sacrament of Eucharist as
communion which brings the families in unity and bond of charity. Part of the discussion is the
family problems. This article will not give ways or answer to a particular problem but it will give
a clear understanding of the Eucharist as communion that can help strengthen and deepen their
family relationship.
Objective Significance
“The Eucharist as communion is an important source of strength for couples and families
to live out our communion of love with each other.” 4The family gives us our first experience of
CFC., 1717, 1719.
3
http://www.stambrose.us/2013/12/12/focus-on-the-family-how-can-the-eucharist-strengthen-family-life/ . Accessed
4
May 6, 2014
45
“communion” in interpersonal relationships. In this paper, we want to show the many ways by
which the Eucharist as communion builds family relationship. The communion within the family
Subjective Significance
Therefore, the families in the Parish of St. Francis Xavier will help them to understand
social and moral aspect. It must be recognized by Catholic families as a source of charity, and
the basis of the communion and mission of family life. Hence, it will help motivate them to
practice the real communion with their family members as being commune with Jesus Christ.
Methodology
First, research was undertaken about the situation of the Filipino family today. We used
the National Catechetical Directory of the Philippines and some articles to see the situation with
Second, to identify the meaning and significance of the Eucharist, we seek the insight of
different authors of theological books. We also cite biblical stories and passages that talk about
communion with Jesus. We used the articles and books in understanding the Eucharist as a
used the biblical stories and passages which are related to the Eucharist as a sacred meal, human
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hunger and sign of bond and unity. We give emphasis on the relationships of the family towards
each other and in the society. In response to this communion of love, we also relate the value of
NCDP stresses that “The Filipino family is a cultural – root paradigm in the Philippines.
Hence the word ‘family’ was translated in the Filipino language as sambayanan (literally, one
people) that connotes a cluster of families, a community.” 5Another is that “to understand the
We all know that Filipinos are known for being family oriented, hospitable, friendly, and
It is a Pinoy trait that can be easily observed. Everyone is welcomed and very much
taken cared of.Filipinos are also known of ‘Pakikisama’ because of our kapwa
concept, we Filipinos deal with each other in a special way. It is more than just
joining or conforming to somebody or something, it is adjusting our lives in order to
establish mutual trust and bonding towards each other. Related to ‘pakikisama’ are
other life- promoting values such as ‘pakikipag- kapwa – tao’ (love of neighbor),
‘pagdadamayan’(sympathy to a person in need), ‘pagtutulungan’ (service to one
another), and ‘bayanihan’ (service to the community). These values affirm the
importance of ‘mabutingloob’ as they enable Filipinos to attain communio with the
other members of society.6
Filipinos are happy as long as they can relate and connect with a family, with a
community, a group of peers in the neighborhood, school, Church, or
workplace.7Filipinos continue to nurture and sustain one another through family
togetherness in prayer, through clan reunions, through shared meals and through
5
National Catechetical Directory for the Philippines,(Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, 2007), 62.
6
Ibid., 40.
7
NCDP, 64.
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mutual support in times of sickness, death, and other tragedies. 8There can be no
doubt that the Filipino family plays a vital role in the life of the individual and
society. Families are the most important reference group, the core of the alliance
system of Filipinos and the primary group where they find security, strength, and
support. Loyalty to family and kin, family solidarity and togetherness, as well as
concern for family welfare and honor, still rank high in Filipino priorities, despite the
rapid changes brought about by modernization and globalization.9
NCDP points out also that “today, there are some factors, threats and concerns affecting
Filipino family that exert a strong influence like parental absenteeism, other form of social
economic pressures, separation from the family etc.As a result, the care of the children is
delegated to relatives or a salaried household help. These problems that the Filipino families face
Eucharist comes from the Greek word “Eukaristos” which means thanksgiving. It is
literally means thanks of one who has received “goodly gifts” and who, consequently, is
“thankful”. 11The celebration of the Eucharist is a thanksgiving to God who redeemed us through
Christ and continues to love the humankind. It is a gathering of the faithful which aims to
worship and express their gratitude to God. It is their time to listen to the Word of God that gives
them strength and inspires the people to follow Jesus. It is in the Holy Communion where they
share and receive the body of Christ. It is the time where we communicate to God.
The Holy Eucharist is one of the sacraments that complete Christian initiation. Those
who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more
deeply to Christ by confirmation participate with whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice
8
Ibid., 71.
9
Ibid., 63.
10
Ibid., 72.
11
Karl Rahner and Herbert Vorgrimler ,Dictionary of Theology, (New Revised Edition,1981)
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by means of the Eucharist. 12 In this sacrament, the bread and wine signifies the body and blood
of Christ. Jesus says “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22: 19). It means that in the Eucharistic
celebration, we keep in mind the paschal mystery of Jesus who sacrificed to save us from our sin.
Through this sacrament, sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God.
The Eucharist is instituted by Jesus during the last supper. Vatican II, in the Constitution
on the Sacred Liturgy states: “At the Last supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Saviour
instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His body and blood.” 13In the last supper, Jesus did the four
solemn acts; took, blessed, broke and gave (Luke 22: 19). These solemn acts are continued
during the Eucharistic celebration as a way of making present the last supper that Jesus had with
the apostles.
Eucharist as Communion
The Eucharist has many aspects like sacrifice-sacrament or sacramental presence. This
article is focused on one aspect of Eucharist which is the communion. “Eucharist as communion
unites us more closely with Jesus Himself, and unites us also with all of our brothers and sisters
in Christ.” 14 It signifies our unity in faith and union with one another in the community of faith.
When we receive the Eucharist, we build a closer relationship to Jesus. When we accept Him, He
becomes our spiritual Bread of life who gives us strength, nourishes our soul and purifies our
heart.
Eucharist is called the “sacrament of love” because it ties with the love to one another. 15
It is in the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus that we join in the passion, death and
12
Catechism for the Catholic Chruch, 1322
13
Sacrosanctum Concilium, 47, 16 quoted and explained in CFC 1676-1677
14
Ronald Lawler ,OFM, The Catholic Catechism, , 1985
15
Catechism For Filipino Catholics, 1702
49
resurrection of Jesus. It is the love of God the Father that He gave us His only son. It is also the
All who unite with Jesus might become one body with Him. “The Eucharist then
becomes a meal of ‘communion’- a sign of unity and bond of charity. 16 It is in the Eucharist that
people from different families come together to be one in worshipping God. In 1Corinthians
12:12, “Christians are to be members that form one body.” In order for us to be one, we have to
join the body of Jesus. This body of Jesus is the church which helps us to be in harmony. Thus,
the relationship that we have with others is the relationship that was built by Jesus. We are one
body with God. To St. Paul, his understanding of membership is “Joined together, all the
17
members of the body share common life”. Therefore, the relationship of a person to one
another is always for the common good. It is the relationship that shows concern and love to
The “Eucharist is not only unity it is also a bond of charity. Eucharist is about being sent
forth. It is the sacrament that symbolizes the unity of all persons in Christ and because this unity
symbolizes by the sharing of food, it makes sense to think of both gathering as community and
18
feeding the hungry as central to Christian life.” The Eucharist challenges the faithful to also
share what they have to others. It is in the Eucharist, Christ and the Christian community
responds to our deepest human hunger for love and acceptance, for understanding, for clear
16
Ibid., 1747.
17
Norman Wirzda, Food and Faith, Eucharistic Table manners: Eating toward communion, 149.
18
Julia Hanlon Rubio, Family Ethics, The practice of Eating; (Georgetown University Press, 2013),132.
19
CFC 1747.
50
Another name used by the Eucharist is the sacred meal. The “sacred meal “that Jesus
brought out during His public ministry is continued in the celebration of the mass today. The
meal experience by Jesus brought salvation to those who opened their hearts to him in loving
communion. “Jesus used the natural elements of a meal which are (1) coming together, (2)
conversing and (3) sharing food and drink together. This brings salvation and the loving presence
among us.”20 In this meal, we receive the joy where God gives us blessings, mercy, forgiveness
our sins and love that the Holy Spirit brings to us.
According Fr. Harlon, “the Eucharist brings us graces” 21. Our souls become more united
to Jesus and it transforms the person towards good. Another significance of communion is to
remove the personal guilt and venial sins.22 It also challenges the person to be united to others
Julie Hanlon Rubio, in her book entitled “Family Ethics” viewed that “Christian meals
through the lens of the Eucharist yields a more substantive understanding of what Christian
families ought to be about when they gather to eat”. 23 This gathering at the table can be
experienced as communion. “At the Last Supper, a final meal, Jesus intended to give his
disciples a meal from which they draw nourishment forever for their spiritual journey. This meal
was testamentary meal, a meal which he eagerly longed to share with his apostles.” 24This meal
20
Ibid.,1748.
21
http://www.Catholism.about.com Accessed May 11, 2014.
22
Ibid
23
Rubio, 34 .
24
Erasto J. Fernandez, SSS, New Wine in Fresh Skins (Eucharist in the 1st Century) (India: Asian Trading
Corporation, 2008), 51.
51
also expresses a deep joy and gratitude of an intimate relationship with Christ. Thus, “this
communion in the Last Supper reflecting in the Christian Filipino family meal is not only
focusing on the emotional bonds of being together and family closeness, rather binding
themselves to one another in a community oriented to Christ”. 25A community oriented to Christ
is a family who exercises this love, joy and mercy at the table within the family. Like a typical
Filipino, we are fond of eating together with our family members, relatives and neighborhood,
we expresses this joy of being together reminiscing happy moments, laughter’s and tears .It is a
vital ingredient to build and strengthen family relationships. Thus as Filipino family, we are all
endowed to participate in our call to love, gratitude and mercy towards one another. In one of the
article made by Fr. James McTavish“To be Sharers of God’s Mercy to Others”stated that “In
practicing mercy Jesus gives us a commandment: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
(Lk 6:36). We are called to be instruments of God’s mercy. He desires that our families be as
good as they can be that we try to love each other as much as we can.” 26
The Eucharist fulfills the fundamental human need for communion with God and others.
In sharing a meal together, physical hunger is not only satisfied but also our spiritual, emotional
hunger for understanding, reconciliation, love, communication, liberation from fear, envious,
insecurities and all the things that might hinder us towards a good relationship with others. 27
Thus, the “Eucharist indeed is the sacrament of communion between brothers and sisters who
25
http://www.hprweb.com/2012/03/mary-mother-of-mercy-christ-the-power-of-merciful-love/ Accessed
May 11, 2014
26
Ibid.
27
Laarni. P. Pecolera, Modules on the Basic Formation Session on the Eucharist as Communion Sacrament
for the M.L.S.T Temporary Professed Sister, (2012)
28
Sacrosanctum Concilium, 89
52
“The Eucharist as communion was instituted by Christ to climax his ‘meal
ministry’ of reconciliation with His Paschal feast of loving communion with his
apostles. Moreover this manner of reconciling is typically Filipino. We develop
‘smooth interpersonal relationships’and reconcile with one another by inviting
others to come, sit down, and share in eating and drinking in a fraternal meal.” 29
To satisfy human hunger for love, one must be able to give love and receive love without
any condition. “The Eucharist is not only a reminder of Christ’s love for us but also of his
command that we love one another as he loved us. To love even to the point of self-sacrifice (Jn.
15: 13; 1Jn 3: 16) and to love in spite of the other person’s unworthiness (cf. Rom 5:8).” 30 It
means that in communion with our family, we must be able to see the worthiness of each
member of the community, open communication is necessary as well as the need for
understanding. Therefore, parents must realize their responsibility for their children. One of the
examples may be taking care of the needs of their children. Saying “Kumusta na?” is another
way of showing that a member of a family is given an importance. On the other hand, there are
also children who have no parents and yet they find relationship with others as their family like
those people who are willing to offer their help and company. Aside from that, there are parents
who are abroad and far from their children. Through there’s a constant communication with the
help of technology today, they find time to be with their children too. Parents, who are separated,
may share time to bond with their children to express their joy and love to one another.
Another is to liberate us from our own fear, jealousy, and insecurities. One must be free
from these hindrances that make us prisons of our own selves. It is very important for the
Filipino family to give each other the opportunity to grow and develop themselves to live in a
29
Catechism for Filipino Catholics, 1783.
30
Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani Jr. DD, The Eucharist and the Filipino, (Makati: Salesiana Publishers, Inc.), 79.
53
free and harmonious relationship. Therefore, the image of Jesus eating with His apostles can be
The Eucharist signifies unity of Jesus to His church. “In the early church, the Eucharist is
the place where the disciples come together to obtain their inspiration, strength and
sustenance.”31 This is the venue for them to express their loving relationship with one another.
As Filipino family, we are challenged to commune with one another by sharing food, expressing
their respect and discussing important details in their life. By sharing our thoughts, plans and
ideas during meal time, each member of the family feels accepted and valued by other members.
They show their care, when a member of a family experiences a problem in life. It is the time to
give their helping hand and show how much they love the person. For instance, one of the traits
of Filipino families is “bayanihan” where in they show their unity as one family. This is the
beginning of their intimate relationship. Some members of the Filipino family are far from their
love ones but still find time to go home especially during special occasions like graduation,
Christmas, New Year’s and birthday celebrations. Just like Jesus with His disciples, Filipinos
express their happiness when they connect to everyone using social media or the special effort of
a person to go home.
The gospel of John 6:56 says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in
me and I in him." If we receive Jesus in our life, He lives with us. Jesus is the one who gives
strength and provides spiritual nourishment. That in our daily lives we became strong to face the
challenges that will happen to us. "God is a community of relationships, we find the fullness of
31
Norman Wirzda, Food and Faith, Eucharistic Table manners: Eating toward communion, (United States
of America, 2011), 149.
54
our lives in the relationship we forge and many roles we play.”32Thus, we form relationships with
our family. God created human to be in a relation with others. This human being relates with
others and builds personal friendship. It is clearly seen when for years they do not see each other,
they missed one another and find time to be with one other by having reunion in the family
which shows that they try to find a way of being united to one another. Same with the Eucharist,
we are gathered as one to celebrate our gladness to God. The family becomes united when they
celebrate togetherness. When they are gathered, they are reminiscing the past and joyfulness of
the heart.
The Eucharistic gathering of the faithful in the celebration is a call to be united in the
community. It is the community where everyone is accepted. No one is left behind, even the
outcast in the society. It is the call for taking care of others especially the poor. Just like the
Filipino family, they see to it that everybody is in good terms by extending their help to the
needy. It can easily be observed that Filipino families are known of “pagtutulungan,
pagdadamayan, pakikisama and bayanihan”.33To be in one in the body of Christ is to feed the
hungry of God. To be Eucharistic means to take care for the earth. We take care not only to the
human being but the whole creation. We are not above all the creation but we are one with the
creation. We commune with all creations of God. “Eucharist is a bond of charity which makes
Eating meals together is associated not only with strong families but with strong
communities.”34Charity means being one and those who come to the Eucharist are to be one with
all creation.
The families who are bonded with charity to others are also connected with God. This
shared action of communion begins at home. It is in the family that we first learn and practice
32
Michael Asis, I am Because We Are; (Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press,2010), 4.
33
NCDP 40
34
Rubio,130.
55
this value towards others. “In the Eucharist, we give thanks to God both for the blessings of
creation and redemption.”35 The Eucharist is our nourishment to promote harmony between
human and the rest of creation by the way we live our lives through the guidance of our family.
In this way, we commune in the community of God. These are some of the fruits of the Eucharist
IV. Conclusion
The Eucharist is the one of the best seed that we can plant in the family because it helps
them to be strong and united. Families have different backgrounds and yet they still stand as one
family. If we understand the true meaning of the Eucharist, we can bear fruits of wisdom. We
can use these fruits to build a community of God who takes care of God’s creation. Everybody is
equal and everyone is accepted. Where there is love, mercy and joy in the family, human hungers
will be fulfilled. The Eucharist as communion should be planted in different soil of the families.
35
David Power, Worship, (The Catholic University in America, Washington, DC., September 2009) ,393.
56
Module
57
and will be given 15-20 minutes to share to their group. After the sharing in the small group;
three volunteers will be called to share for the big group.
IV. Talk: Focus on how Eucharist as a Sacred Meal can satisfy human hunger, not just
physically but emotionally, and spiritually.
At the Last Supper of Jesus with His apostles, we are not only physically nourished but it
is a sacred meal that satisfies our need for love, acceptance, understanding and constant
communication. Families gather together not just to share food and drinks to one another but to
experience and share this love, mercy, understanding and reconciliation towards others. The
family gives us our first experience of “communion” in interpersonal relationships, spiritually
and emotionally. These are all important aspects in our lives to deepen and strengthen family
relationships. (See on pages 11-12 of the article)
Reflection: How will I contribute to deepen and strengthen relationship with my family?
V. Activity: Faith Sharing. This time the parents will be given time to reflect and ask themselves
what they have done or what supposed to be done to make their family relationships
strengthened and deepened by love, joy, mercy, understanding and reconciling with one another.
This has to be reflected in our families just the way that we understand our relationship with
Jesus. To commune with Jesus is also to commune with others. They will be divided again into
five small groups with five members and will be given 15-20 minutes to share to their group.
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Day 3: EUCHARIST BUILDS UNITY AND BONDS OF CHARITY
I. Review: In the previous session, we reflect on the Eucharist as communion in relation to our
family relationship. If we build love, good communication and forgiveness, we may satisfy
human hunger and commune with our family.
II. Activity: Community building. The parents will build a strong community using straws in
their small groups.
What are the characteristics of strong community? How will I build these in our family?
III. Video watching: How beautiful by Twila Paris36
What did Jesus do to His disciples? What is the significance of Jesus’ washing of the feet?
Why did Jesus crucify on the cross?
Jesus set an example of service to His disciples. A good and strong community is built not
only with love, joy and forgiveness but also in true service that we did. We commune with
our community if we built good relation by doing charity and giving our hand to those who
are in need. Mother Theresa, a missionary of charity is another model. As she said, “By
blood, I am Albanian; by citizenship, an Indian; by faith, I am Catholic nun. As to my
calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus”37 . She
commune with others by doing sacrifice for the sake of others.
IV. Talk: How the Eucharist as communion can build/strengthen family life and united
community?
Through unity and charity of a family, we may deepen our relationship with others and build
a strong community. We build the community of God by showing our love and concern not
only to our family but for the all creation of God. (See on pages 12-14 of the article)
Reflection: How will I contribute to deepen and strengthen relationship with my
community?
V. Faith sharing. The parents will be given time to think on how to build good relationship with
the creation. They will share their plans and purpose in living here on earth.
36
http://www.casiquiacao.blogspot.com, Accessed May 11, 2014
37
http://youtu.be/P5H5NMxWyEc , Accessed May 11, 2014
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