The Eucharist

St. Paul writes to the Corinthians about the Eucharist and how to properly prepare for reception of it.

When speaking of the Eucharist, St. Paul uses technical terms that were specific to the Eucharist for a first century Christian.

St. Paul, for example, speaks of the "Cup of Blessing," which was a specific type of cup found in rabbinic writings that was used in the rite of the Passover meal.

Moreover, in the Eucharist, St. Paul speaks about our participation not just in the body of Christ, which could (though incorrectly) be suggested that Paul was speaking of the mystical body of Christ. For, what brings clarity and eliminates the possibility that he is speaking about a metaphor or primarily the mystical body of Christ is that he says we are also participating in the "blood of Christ," which is sacrificial terminology in the 1st century for Paul.

So, for Paul, there is definitely some real participation in Christ and in his crucifixion, not to mention, in the very life of Christ. For, in his first century context, in sacrifices, if you drink the blood of a sacrifice, you are participating in the "life" of that sacrifice (e.g. Lev. 17:11), and this was an abomination.

However, for the very reason Israelites were prohibited from drinking the blood of sacrifices in the Old Testament is precisely the reason why Christians are exhorted to drink the blood of Christ in the New: to participate in his divine life (which, as an aside, is one of the reasons why Jesus says in John 6 that if you drink his blood he will raise you on the last day -- because you have his life in you).

So, in Paul's worldview, the Eucharist is not just a vague, nebulous ritual, but an actual participation in the sacrifice of Christ and in his divine life.

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[christopherton]

Thank you Jesus for Dr Pitre. The Holy Spirit has truly given him patience and love to explain the Truth to your glory.

[radupietro]

O Sacrament Most Holy O Sacrament Divine all Praise and all Thanksgiving be every moment Thine 🙏

[wjm]

"Behold the Lamb of God, Behold him, who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb"

[paulforbes]

Dr Petri is just exceptional and a gifted teacher. Also, learn more on this by reading Dr Scott Hahn’s “The 4th Cup”.

[jerryg]

Wow! This is one of the most scholarly & profound explanations of the Eucharist & its liturgy I've seen on video, thanks Dr. Brant

[mikelopez]

God bless you....I have grown so much because of your videos thank you

[deograciousmulehe]

I just love your in sight and simplicity of you faith

[idangnasagac]

Thank you very much Dr Brant Pitre, , , MAY OUR ALMIGHTY FATHER IN HEAVEN CONTINUE TO SHOWER US HIS MERCIFUL LOVE AND BLESS US ALWAYS WITH HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, , THROUGH HIS BELOVED SON JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR AND HOPE, , , WITH THE ENTERCESION OF OUR HOLY MOTHER MARY!, , , AMEN🙏❤️🙏

[joeclaudio]

Thank you for your work Dr. Pitre. I would enjoy hearing your informed perspective on the disciple whom Jesus loved. I see you as an authority on Biblical history and scholarship and I would appreciate your views greatly.

[douglasdde]

Fantastic as always, also in Acts Jess is recognized at the breaking of the bread, here it seems unleavened bread is the ancient form whereas Orthodox seem to like to claim leavened bread was the ancient form, I would love you teaching on our understanding of original versus orthodox

[gicraft]

God bless you all Jesus Loves you and The Blessed Mother

[johntonelli]

Now can someone please please tell this to our priests!!!! Please! Most have little or no respect

[Robert.E.Edmondson]

A woman went to her doctor with a complaint, and in time, she was diagnosed with fibrosis of the uterus. The woman was both devout and hard of hearing, and consequently, she proudly told all of her friends that she had lately been blessed with "fire balls of the Eucharist!".

[commscompany]

Thanks for focusing on feeding the sheep .

[michaelogrady]

Psalm 116. Read in the context of the Holy Mass and the priesthood.

[actsapologist]

Brant Pitre drinking game: Take a drink every time the words "first century Jewish context" are said.

[lookinguntojesusthelordrei]

We follow Christ or Paul...
Most intriguing question for present day Preachers

[gillianlindeen]

Awesome video! Does anyone know the name of the painting shown at 8:33?

[pcgrova]

It seems that as the Body of Christ bleeds, so too, the blood that the Church Bleeds is indicative, I think, that we must carry our cross and suffer for the good of the Church, as Christ did for His bride ... it's just such a tragedy that much of it, is being inflicted on Christ and on us by 'hireling' bishops and clergy.

[kiran.joseph]

Very inspiring...Do you conduct any bible study Sir?