Communion Cross



Communion Cross

also called the Eucharist Cross¹

Communion cross

The version of Communion Cross shown here is decorated with a chalice, wheat and grapes.

During the Last Supper¹, Jesus instructed his disciples to fulfill a rite in memory of Him². There are many interpretations of what this means for Christians today, and how the rite should be observed. But the elements are essentially the same: a chalice, bread (leavened or unleavened) - the body of Christ, and wine - the blood of Christ.

For most baptised Christians, the First Communion is celebrated at the age of seven or eight. At that time, a Communion Cross is often given as a special memento to the child. That is the age most children are considered to have reached the 'Age of Reason' and mentally capable of understanding the importance of the event and have a desire to participate.

This raises the obvious question about people whose mental faculties have not developed sufficiently to make such reasoning or have some profound retardation. The Church is clear in its responsibility in this case: inclusion. However, if a person has reached the Age of Reason and decides not to receive communion, that is their right and the Church respects this.

Priests and parents have a responsibility to encourage and guide children; without, of course, abusing their authority with coercion that undoubtedly leads to resentment and ultimate rejection of Christianity later in life. A fundamental tenet of Christianity is that people have freedom, just as God gives us the freedom to love and serve Him, or not. Communion is a way for Christians to demonstrate their choice to love and serve God.

And this must be supplemental to actually practicing love for other people. Jesus said, 'Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second commandment is similar: love your neighbour as you love yourself³.

If we truly love God, loving our neighbour is a natural consequence. Our responsibility doesn't stop at simply displaying a pretty Communion Cross or taking part in a rite.