Yet they are the reason we talk about the establishment-or institution-of Holy Communion today. These words are only found in two of the four biblical accounts. Theologians refer to this statement of Jesus Christ-“Do this in remembrance of Me.”-as the commandment of repetition (or of remembrance). “…in remembrance of Me”: a meal of commemoration

For him this is not merely an outward gathering, but an internal act of coming together. Paul frequently mentions the term synérchomai (coming together) when he reproaches the Corinthians for their carelessness. Paul asks, “The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?’” The body of Christ is an image for the congregation of the believers.

This is a reference to the fact that the old covenant of Sinai was replaced by His sacrificial death on the cross. Christ mentions the blood of the new covenant. Theologically, the Bible develops this fellowship in three ways: In the face of His impending death He felt the fervent desire to do so again. Jesus happily and often dined with His Apostles.

And it is there that we can already identify four dimensions of the celebration of Holy Communion as described by the New Apostolic Catechism ( CNAC 8.2.8 to 8.2.11). “‘Eat and drink! Do this in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this wine, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” So ends the New Apostolic consecration formula.

Eat and drink in remembrance of me