An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR.
I. _What is the Sacrament of the Altar?_ It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given unto us Christians to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself. _Where is it so written?_ The holy evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, together with St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to His disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: this cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you, for the remission of sins: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." * * * * * ITS NAMES. This sacrament is called: 1. The Sacrament of the Altar, because it is administered at the altar. 2. The Lord's Supper, because it was instituted by the _Lord_ while the disciples were eating the Passover _Supper_. 3. The Table of the Lord, because the Lord here gives food and drink to our souls. 4. The Communion, because it is a communion of bread and wine with the body and blood of Christ, a communion of believers with Christ, and a communion of believers with one another. 5. The Eucharist--a name derived from a Greek word meaning to give thanks--because the administration of the Lord's Supper is attended with thanksgiving.
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