The Anglican-Roman Catholic agreement on the Eucharist : background theological notes for an understanding of the 1971 Agreement

Abstract

On the day before he died, at his last supper with the disciples, Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Knowing that his hour had come and that the devil had already put it in the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Him, He repeatedly uttered his eternal wish concerning his disciples and followers. Troubled in spirit, but at the same time reassuring towards his hearers at a moment when everything seemed to cast doubt on his promises of God's power, grace and kingdom and shake one's faith in his reality and faith fulness, the Good Lord ardently prayed the Eternal Father for unity amongst Christians. He only required faith from them, in Him and in what was soon to take place. "Let not your hearts be troubled believe in God, believe also in me." (Jn. 14: 5)