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Reyes
I-GSL
Fr. G. O. Diwa
3 October 2015
REACTION PAPER TO THE ARTICLE
remembrance by which the acts of God are not only recited to be remembered but are opened up
into a wider perspective of being interpreted towards the future. A bell rings here regarding the
eschatological element of memorial. This kind has paradigms in biblical books such as in
Nehemiah and Psalms. From here, we can trace the development of Christian memorials from
the New Testament by pointing out historical master images used in it.
The use of historical master images in interpreting the significance of what is
remembered. Though the memorial command is chiefly connected to the Last Supper, it is
inevitable that Christian tradition would also anamnesize the whole Christ event, and not only
dwell on remembering that supper, taking to account the prophetic element of memorial, pointing
not only on a particular salvific event, but also on events before and after it. Doing this in his
memory, then, reminds us of Gods covenant, the pasch, the suffering servant, and sacrifice.
These are called historical master images. These images give density to the words of Jesus in the
Last Supper. Historical master images are those used throughout tradition in connection with an
ongoing series of events both interpreting and linking, by adding new insight, an event to other
events in salvation history, both past and future.
Let us briefly analyze these historical master images. First, the Eucharist is a covenant,
as seen in the reference of Jesus to it as new and everlasting covenant for you and for
many, taking as pattern the covenant with Abraham and at Sinai. Second, it recalls the Passover
by being built within the history of the Jewish people, calling to mind the coming of the Messiah
which has a transformative effect in history. Third, it recalls the suffering servant through the
image of the blood poured out for many, presenting Jesus as giving his all for mankind. Lastly, it
is presented as a sacrifice, linking the supper to the Cross.
The relation of the Eucharist to Christian life and to Christian identity. From here,
we can see the link of the Eucharist in the New Testament texts to the Christian life. First,
keeping Christs memory is founded not only in celebration but also in actions of mutual love.
Sunday schools and clinics, and other social services because it is what Christ himself did:
nagpadilat sa bulag, sa pilay ay nagpalakad, at nakiramay sa lahat.
This service to other people opens up our minds to critically analyzing our own regard for
others. Here is an example. There was a rich seminarian who was given an apostolate to a
remote village in the mountains. He resented being there. He hated the absence of conveniences
and the simplicity of life there. However, the people of that village were very kind and friendly,
looking after one another with utmost concern, aside from being truly devout. After a months
stay there, he changed his perspective of these people, and liked the life in that village. He
realized that rich people are no different from poor ones, and at times, the poor ones are better
than everybody else. The Eucharist not only makes us love and serve, but also reminds us of
Christs critical stand of the society of his time where the poor and the sinners are demarcated,
and his example of forgiving acceptance which tells us to change our lives for the better. The
same demarcation exists to this time. The Eucharist is exhortation enough to follow Jesus
example. Here, lives are transformed by the Eucharist.
But the Eucharist not only transforms lives, but also promises a different kind of life,
which is that of heaven.
Convivium. Looking forward to such a promise renders the Christian more hope that after the
sufferings of this life, there comes eternal happiness. The Eucharist points out not only to the
Cross but also to the Resurrection, giving a pledge that the same is in store for us. Looking
forward to this reward makes suffering not a meaningless punishment but a formative
experience. John Paul II, in Salivifici doloris, exhorts Christians to unite their sufferings with
that of Christ so as to be sharers in its redemptive effects. This is most evident to us when we see
the Eucharist pointing to the Resurrection also in store for us.
We see thus in this short paper the significance of the Eucharist in the Christian life by
seeing it in the light of reading the New Testament, it being formative and transformative for the
followers of Christ.