Eucharistic Prayer I
In the first Eucharistic Prayer (the one with all of the saint names), we hear three names listed apart from the other lists: Abel, Abraham and Melchizedek. Each of these figures have a special significance with the Eucharist, and with this weekend being Corpus Christi, it seems fitting to discuss them.
Many of us are probably familiar with Abel, the brother of Cain and the son of Adam and Eve. Cain and Abel are both described as bringing offerings to God; Cain offers a portion of his harvest while Abel offers a spotless lamb. Right away we see why Abel’s sacrifice is referenced in the Eucharistic Prayer: Abel’s offering of a spotless lamb points forward to Jesus being the truly spotless Lamb.
Many are probably familiar with Abraham also. After God promises to make a great nation of Abraham’s descendants, God commands Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac. Abraham obeys and begins the journey. On the way up the mountain, Isaac asks where the lamb is, to which Abraham responds, “God will provide the lamb.” Right as Abraham is about to kill Isaac, God intervenes and praises Abraham for his faithfulness and trust. However, his offering is left unfulfilled until God provides the true Lamb, the sacrifice of His own beloved Son in Jesus.
Finally, the one we are probably the least familiar with: Melchizedek. Melchizedek is the high priest of the ancient city Salem (which would eventually become Jerusalem). He is mentioned twice in Genesis: he is seen blessing Abraham before he goes into battle and then offers a sacrifice of bread and wine in honor of Abraham’s victory after. The Letter to the Hebrews connects this to Jesus in chapter 7 referring to Jesus as the eternal high priest, “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus’ priesthood has neither beginning nor end and He offers the true sacrifice of the Bread of Heaven (His Body) and the Cup of Salvation (His Blood).
As we celebrate this great Solemnity of Corpus Christi, may we strive to strive to connect the dots of Old and New in order to understand more clearly the gift of this most Blessed Sacrament!