Jesus' life and ministry brought about conflict with the religious and political authorities of his time, a conflict which led to his crucifixion on the first Good Friday. Two days later, on the first Easter Day, God reversed this defeat and humiliation by raising Jesus from the dead.

The first Easter occured at the time of the Jewish passover festival (celebrating deliverance from oppression). Jesus' death and resurrection give fresh meaning to this theme and offer deliverance from the oppression, principally, of death, sin, guilt and fear.

On the night before Jesus was put to death on the Cross, he had his last supper with the disciples.
During the meal, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in the Jewish fashion. He broke it into pieces and gave it to his friends saying it was his Body. After the meal, he took some wine, gave thanks to God and gave it to them saying it was his Blood. He commanded them to continue this simple ceremony in remembrance of him. Christians have obeyed that command for two thousand years. In churches and cathedrals, in schools, prisons, hospitals and private homes, on board ship and on battlefields, the words and actions of Jesus have been repeated.

Communion can be a part of a wedding day as can bring comfort to the dying and the bereaved. It is truly a meal for all seasons, and for many, it is the central act in their lives from which they draw their strength. It is known by many names. All are valid and each empasising a reality concerning communion., for instance:

The Lord's Supper, which recalls the fellowship between Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper for as Jesus was the host then, so we believe he is the unseen host at the Lord's Supper and the worshippers are his guests.

Holy Communion, emphasises that in taking the bread and wine, we are drawn into close communion with God in Christ and so with all Christians at all times and in all places.

The Eucharist, takes its name from the word meaning 'thanksgiving' which reflects the fact that in the communion we give thanks to God for his gifts in creation and for all that he has done through Jesus Christ, praying that the bread and wine may be for us the Body and Blood of Christ.

Mass, takes its name from the Latin word for dismissal, that is 'Missa'. The Latin service ends with the words ' Ite missa est', and is a sending out of the worshippers to their daily life. This term is used in the Roman Catholic Church and by many Anglicans.

The Holy Communion commemorates his life and death, reminding us that Jesus' offering of himself in his life and in his death was done perfectly and for all time. All Christians believe that, in the Holy Communion, God offers to renew the fellowship and communion with him to which he has already called us. We respond to God's invitation by faith and trust in Christ who died for us and in whose risen life we have already been given a share. Thus he feeds us with his life. It is not just the commemoration of something which happened in history, but is the celebration of a person who is our Lord and Master and of events which have eternal significance.

In the Church of England, it has been customary to have been confirmed by a bishop before receiving Communion. This rule is under discussion. Since l972, any Christian of any other Church who has been baptised in the name of the Trinity -- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit -- and is a communicant member of that Church is welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Church of England. This is an expression of our hope that, one day, all Christians will be united.

If you would like to know more about receiving communion at St Editha's, please contact us using the link below.