ACC ~ Mark 14 v22a

AN EARLY EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

DIDACHE: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant; [1] to you be glory forever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you made known to us through Jesus your servant; to you be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. DIDACHE 9. [2]

[1] Cf. Mt 26:29; Mk 14:25; Jn 15:1.

[2] TLG 1311.001, 9.2.2-4.3; cf. ANF 7:380.

HOW THE BREAD IS BROKEN

JUSTIN MARTYR: When the president has given thanks and the whole congregation has assented, those whom we call deacons give to each of those present a portion of the consecrated bread and wine and water. They then take it to those absent. This food we call Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes that the things we teach are true, and has received the washing for forgiveness of sins and for rebirth, and who lives according to the way Christ handed down to us. [1] For we do not receive these things as common bread or common drink; but as Jesus Christ our Savior being incarnate by God’s Word took flesh and blood for our salvation, so also we have been taught that the food consecrated by the word of prayer which comes from him, from which our flesh and blood are nourished by transformation, is the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus. For the apostles in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, thus handed down what was commanded them: that Jesus, taking bread and having given thanks, said, “Do this in remembrance of me. This is my body”; and similarly taking the cup and giving thanks he said, “This is my blood”; and gave it to them alone. [2] FIRST APOLOGY 65-66. [3]

[1] Cf. 1 Cor 11:27-29.

[2] HE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL | MARK 1:1-5

[3] LCC 1:286; TLG 0645.001, 65.5.1—66.3.6.

Mk