Brant Pitre on the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
Date: May 30th, 2011

How was the Last Supper influenced by Jewish theology and rituals?  Noted Catholic theologian Brant Pitre — professor of sacred scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA — takes us on a journey back to the time of Exodus to explain how various Jewish rituals, particularly those surrounding Passover, played an important role in the shaping of the Eucharist (defined here as the Last Supper of Christ).  Dr. Pitre talks about the Jewish expectations for the coming of the Messiah and then discusses the importance of the Jewish Exodus.  We then examine the various elements of Jewish rituals and their theological importance, including the sacrifice of lambs, the importance of manna, practices within the temple, and finally the seder’s sequence of drinking four cups of wine.  We discuss the ambiguity in the New Testament about the fourth cup of wine as it pertains to Christian theology.  Throughout this podcast we uncover often forgotten historical and theological details about the Last Supper.  This podcast, and Dr. Pitre’s book (below), is an ideal blend of theology and history.  Recorded: May 4, 2011.

RELATED LINKS

Brant Pitre’s website (where you can find additional material regarding this topic).

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre.


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