Tran-sub-stan-ti-a-tian. It’s a big word with a big meaning that defines a big difference between Catholics and Protestants. There is no dispute regarding the origin of Communion/the Lord’s Supper/the Eucharist. Solid Christian doctrine agrees with the Biblical account of the last Passover Jesus and the Disciples shared (Matthew 26:17-18; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13). The differences in theology center on the bread and wine (the “elements”) Jesus used to describe His coming sacrifice. Was He speaking literally or figuratively? (Luke 22:14-23; Mark 14:17-25; Matthew 26:19-30) To keep things very simple, let’s limit the basic theologies to three:
- After being consecrated, the elements supernaturally become the body and blood of the Risen Jesus. Simultaneously, they retain the physical appearance of bread and wine. (Transubstantiation)
- The body and blood of Jesus are supernaturally present within the physical bread and wine/juice. (Consubstantiation)
- The physical components of Communion serve as symbolic reminders of Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice. (Commemoration)
Unlike Commemoration, Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation view Communion as a sacrament (a physical action or symbol through which a person receives something supernatural). Moving forward, we will examine the basic differences between Transubstantiation (Catholic theology) and Commemoration (most Protestant theologies). Each belief stands on a Biblical foundation. For example:
Catholic: John 6:53-58
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” (NIV; emphasis added)
Generic Protestant: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (citing Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:18-20)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (NIV; citing Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:18-20; emphasis added)
Both theologies can even claim the same verses. For example, Jesus said, “‘…Take and eat; this is my body.’” (Matthew 26:26 NIV). “…this IS my body” supports the Catholic belief while “THIS is my body” supports the Protestant view. (THIS meaning this specific bread at this specific moment in time.)
Your personal beliefs regarding Scriptures, such as the above, will direct your observance of the Lord’s Supper in the following ways:
Purpose of Communion?
Catholic: To receive Christ’s body, blood, and divinity
Generic Protestant: In remembrance and respect of Jesus’ sacrifice
Frequency of Communion?
Catholic: Officially, the Catholic Church requires its congregants to receive Holy Communion once during the Easter Season. In the United States, it is generally offered at every Mass and all Catholics in “good standing” are encouraged to receive communion each week. Holy Communion is also included in traditional funeral and wedding ceremonies.
Generic Protestant: Frequency and delivery vary among churches. Communion may be offered weekly, once/month, sporadically, or at designated times throughout the year.
Manner of Communion?
Catholic: The bread and wine are presented to the priest who then follows a formal liturgy.
According to Catholic theology, the priest represents Jesus, offering the elements of His body and blood to God as our atoning sacrifice. As the priest prepares the elements (referred to as the “host”), each individual is encouraged to examine their hearts and prepare to receive the host. Once the liturgy is complete, the elements are received directly from the priest (or ministers, depending on the size of the congregation) and never passed. (We’ll further explore this in the future.)
Generic Protestant: Because each church is unique, no two services will look exactly the same.
Usually a pastor/church leader prepares a brief message to explain the symbolism of the elements and describes the manner of distribution. Some churches serve individual portions of the elements while others are more communal. Some drink from tiny plastic cups and others dip their bread into a chalice. Some churches designate a time for reflection and worship and others pass the elements at the same time every week.
Participation in communion?
Catholic: Any practicing Catholic who meets the following requirements: Has no unconfessed mortal* sin; Has not eaten an hour prior to receiving the elements; Is in good standing with the Catholic Church; Believes in transubstantiation.
Generic Protestant: While some churches require membership, many Protestant churches practice “Open Communion.” This means that anyone who has put their faith in Jesus as their Savior is eligible to participate.
Concerning Communion, theological differences between Team Catholic and Team Protestant seem irreconcilable. Yet, it comes down to one thing. No matter which jersey you wear, no matter what belief holds true, when you are the one receiving the elements, it’s between you and God. At that point, this question remains: Do you believe Jesus sacrificed His body and blood in your place? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation and believed His resurrection defeated sin and death? Is your eternity anchored to His grace?
*Willful choice to sin knowing what you are doing gravely violates Scripture or Church teaching.