The Eucharist as Offering of Firstfruits

Book excerpt: One of the difficulties for Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and other Christians is how to understand the Eucharist as sacrifice, offering, and oblation. A return to ancient Jewish and Christian sources has uncovered the category of the offering of firstfruits. This is found in a lesser degree among Second Temple Judaism and to a greater degree in early Christian literature beginning with the New Testament itself. This has brought renewed interest in understanding the Eucharist not only in the context of the Feast of Passover, but also in light of the Feast of Pentecost and the offering of firsfruits, and within the context of the Zebach tôdâ —that is, the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. This has strong implications for a theological, liturgical, spiritual, and practical awakening in understanding the Eucharist as Sacrifice. In the Eucharist, the Church offers the firsfruits of creation, Christ, and also herself to the Father in the Holy Spirit. Each member is called to actively participate in the Eucharistic sacrifice through which they themselves become a Holy and Living sacrifice for the life of the world. This has implications for a renewed Eucharistic spirituality and worship, the New Evangelization, and new works of mercy.