Dying for the Eucharist or Being Killed by it?

Abstract

This essay uses the life, death, and writings of Oscar Romero to explore the connection between eucharist and martyrdom, and how to tell the difference between dying for the eucharist and being killed by it. The essay begins by examining the logic of martyrdom, then shows its connections with the eucharist, and concludes with some comments about the situation of first-world Christians in a relatively safe church. The essay suggests that the eucharist can bring judgment if Christians do not attend to those who suffer in their midst.