Etymologically Qurbana originated from the Aramaic word Qurban. The Syrian church calls the Lord’s Supper as Holy Qurbana. The word Qurban means sacrifice. The Catholic church calls this as Holy mass. The word mass has originated from the Latin root Mittere which means to disperse. The Lord’s Supper is observed by the Christian Church as a sacrifice to remember the vicarious death of Jesus on the cross. It is believed that the Passover meal which Jesus observed along with his apostles has been traditionally accepted by the church as the Lord’s Supper. The details of this last supper is found in the Synoptic Gospels and in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (Matt. 26:17-29; Mk. 14:17-25; Lk. 22:14-21; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). Though John gives an account of a meal (Jn. 13:21-30), there is no mention of ‘the institution’ of the Lord’s Table. Only Luke records the ipssisima verbu Jesu, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Lk. 22:19). Jesus has imagined that annually when the Jews gather together to observe the feast of the Passover, they should here after do this in remembrance of Jesus. The reason is that he himself is the lamb that has been sacrificed, in the past for the people (1 Cor. 15:7). So in future also Jesus should be remembered in the Passover observances. This was the message. None other than Jews should observe this (Ex. 12:42-51). But when the New Testament Church began to observe this as a Sacrament, the death of Jesus on the cross has been meditated and came to his presence with penitence through this service. 

1. Self examination at the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 11:23-30)

The church is given a repeated opportunity at the Lord’s Table to examine the self and sanctify. At this point our unworthiness and blemishes are realized. Again we search for the grace of God to live a Holy life. Without the grace of God a sanctified life is not possible. Thus, the Lord’s Supper gives the blessed message of self-judgment and sanctification. It is a time to judge one’s self. In doing so, we will not be judged (1 Cor. 11:27-33). Thus, we will always realize the divine presence and live (Ps. 16:11). As we remember Jesus in this Sacrament the strength of the unity and fellowship in our human relationships should be increased. “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Cor. 10: 17). The early church has given much importance to the mutual fellowship. There is a fellowship in the breaking of the bread (Acts 2:42, 46). They enjoyed joy and openness of heart in this fellowship (Acts 2:46). The Lord’s Supper is instrumental in the growth of fellowship, increase of love and oneness in the church. St. Paul admonishes as follows: we become partakers in the Lord’s Table, at other times we should never become partakers of the table of Satan or evil (1 Cor. 10:16-21).We are responsible for our own transformed lives to discern and decide as we come to the table of Christ. 

2. The Bread of life is remembered at the Lord’s Table (Jn. 6:15-59)

Jesus is the bread of life. This is one of the seven ‘I am sayings’ of Jesus which he proclaimed as his right. By the words ‘eat me’ Jesus means to accept him and his teachings. In the same way, it is equally important at the Lord’s Table also, because we remember the death of Jesus at the cross and his resurrection, on the occasion. The bread we break symbolizes the fellowship of the body of Christ and the cup we share symbolizes the blood that Jesus has shed for us. At every fellowship Jesus is the invisible host (1 Cor. 10:20,21). The Experience of Christ living in us and we living in Christ becomes more lively and active (Jn. 6:53-58). This becomes a reason for mutual fellowship and becoming share holders in the body of Christ. The eschatological coming of Jesus is the greatest hope of the Christian church. The Church is waiting for the coming of Christ from the time of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11). The prayer of the early Church, ‘come Lord Jesus (Maranatha)’ in Rev. 22:20 should be remembered at this point. Paul argues that this Sacrament declares the death of Jesus till he comes. Witnessing the death of Jesus till he comes is symbolically expressed in the Lord’s Supper. 

3.  The Lord’s Table reminds eternal life (Jn. 6:15-19)

The main motto of Christian life itself is the attainment of eternal life. That is the abundant life that has been promised by Christ. It should be remembered by the Church as she partakes in the Lord’s Table. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:54).