Holy First Communion

A History of Communion

The time for Holy Communion is upon us. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this, one of the most blessed of the religious events and Christian ceremonies that we hold so dear? Holy Communion emanated from warm beginnings, and is well worth reflecting upon. Considering firstly that the Sacrament of Communion is also known as the Eucharist. The word ‘Eucharist’ stems from the Greek, eucharisto, meaning to give thanks, or thanksgiving and in many ways this demonstrates exactly what Holy Communion is all about.

At the Last Supper, Jesus instructed His followers to take bread and wine in remembrance of Him. According to Corinthians (11:23-26), He said:

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”