Rethinking Eucharistic Communion: A Theology of Harmony—A Study of the Lima Document

Abstract

The mutual reception of the Eucharist is a key issue in contemporary Christian unity. As a landmark document in Christian unity, the Lima document provides a profound exposition of the Eucharist. According to this article, eucharistic communion in the Lima document is expressed in three themes: “Communion with Christ”, “Communion of the Faithful”, and “Meal of the Kingdom”. Within these three themes, there are three groups of relationships: the relationship of mutual participation between the faithful and Christ, and the relationship of “demonstrate” and “effect” between the Eucharist and the oneness of the Church. Moreover, in the connotation of the banquet, there is the relationship of “foretaste” between the Eucharist and the Kingdom of God. Further, in my opinion, the concept of “eucharistic communion” is developed into a “theology of harmony”, namely, “the harmony between heaven and humans”, “the harmony between people and people”, and “the harmony between heaven and earth” in the Lima document.