What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
Today we turn to the second sacrament recognized by Luther. It is referred to with several names including the "Sacrament of the Altar," the "Lord's Supper," Holy Communion," and the "Eucharist," (a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving). As with baptism, Luther begins with a simple, yet profound, definition. His definition reveals his understanding of a sacrament. There is an earthly element, in this case bread and wine. It is instituted by Christ. But more than that, in these elements we receive Christ himself. We remember the Last Supper. We remember the cross where his body was broken and blood poured out for our sins. But the Sacrament of the Altar is more than remembering. "It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine..." God is revealed to us in many ways. There is the beauty of creation. We have the gift of prayer. There are many hymns and songs that move us. We have the Holy Scriptures. But in the Lord's Supper we are given Christ himself, his body and blood, to eat and drink. What a gift! What a mystery! Thanks be to God for Christ's presence in bread and wine!
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