Because the Eucharist is the Lord's Supper given to his Church "for a rememberance of me", it gives life to the world. This work, a spiritual theology, explores the insights of recent ecumenical, theological and liturgical studies on the Eucharist. Contested during the Reformation, the Eucharist as a sacrifice - Christ's the Church's and those of Christians - is seen today by many faiths as a central and vital symbol. Father Falardeau studies the notion of Eucharist as sacrifice in scripture and theology, and its ecumenical insights and implications for spirituality. He examines the Eucharist as it relates to the forgiveness of sins, eschatology and the priesthood, and in its role as memorial and communion. The book directs current Catholic devotion more deeply into the present solid, ecumenical theological consensus among the Churches. It shows other denominations how such devotion concurs with the universal approach, and how it can lead to a more fruitful living of the Gospel.
By inviting readers to come together and live the Chrisian life through the Eucharist, this book encourages all Christians to deepen their faith in the Eucharist and their understanding of its nature and power.