Sasse, 1977. Chapter 1, Part 6 - Eucharistic Piety, Devotion, and Practice (p. 48)

Chapter 1, Part 6 - Eucharistic Piety, Devotion, and Practice (p. 48)

Sasse pauses to point out the importance attached to the doctrine of the Eucharist. While we may spend much time in analysis, we need to realize the doctrines arose from real concerns of real people struggling with real problems. The liturgy and the practice of the Sacrament was heart and center of the life of the Church. In the Early Church all the saints would gather and receive communion in a closed environment. It was integral to receiving God’s mercy. As the Middle Ages began, communion became less private and more a matter of corporate piety. Eventually, to protect against disrespect to the present Lord, it became generally an event that only the priesthood would participate in. Yet it remained the center of worship. the host becomes an article of veneration rather than God’s gift of food (p. 54).