Martin Luther on Eucharist and Fellowship

Note: Throughout the month of October, leading up to the 500^th anniversary of the legendary date of the outbreak of the Reformation on October 31, 1517, Pray Tell is publishing writings of Martin Luther reflecting his beliefs on liturgy and sacraments at various points in his life.

When you have partaken of this sacrament, therefore, or desire to partake of it, you must in turn share the misfortunes of the fellowship, . .. Here your heart must go out in love and learn that this is a sacrament of love.  As love and support are given to you, you in turn must render love and support to Christ in his needy ones. You must feel with sorrow all the dishonor done to Christ in his holy Word, all the misery of Christendom, all the unjust suffering of the innocent, with which the world is everywhere filled to overflowing. You must fight, work, pray, and—if you cannot do more—have heartfelt sympathy. 

[From The Blessed Sacrament of the Holy and True Body of Christ (1519), 9]