Eucharist and The Didache

It is both instructive and fascinating to learn how our current liturgies developed, especially in regards to the Eucharist. We have one particular document from the very early years of the Church, called the “Didache” (pronounced DID-uh-kay). It is also known as “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.” Scholars believe it appeared in its first form around 65 AD, which places it contemporary with the writing of the Gospel of Mark, definitely earlier than John, and quite possibly earlier than Matthew and Luke.

The document actually was lost for centuries, and then rediscovered in 1873. It became part of the movement in the Church known as ressourcement, which indicated the desire to go back to the origins of our faith (Scripture and the early Church Fathers), in preparation for Vatican II.

This document contains instruction in sixteen chapters. The topics covered include baptism, the Commandments, the Way of Death vs. the Way of Life, prayer, dietary practices (including fasting), and, very importantly, Eucharist.

We learn that one must be baptized in order to receive the Eucharist. This is one of the very first recorded instances of reception of the sacraments and initiation into the Church. We also see that the order of celebrating Communion was first to take the Cup, then the Bread (called the “Loaf”). There is a particular prayer which begins “Blessed are you, God of all Creation.” This should sound familiar to us, as it is said still at every Mass we celebrate. We also find the words “Hosanna” associated with the Eucharistic celebration, indicating Jesus comes into the Eucharist at Mass, just like his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

“We give thanks to You, our Father, for the life and knowledge that You made known to us through Jesus, Your Servant. Glory to You forever. As this broken bread was scattered over the hills and was brought together becoming one, so gather Your Church from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom, for You have all power and glory forever through Jesus Christ.” - Prayer over the bread, Didache, chapter 9.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.