IS JESUS REALLY PRESENT IN THE EUCHARIST?

THE EARLY CHURCH

The Eucharist is the centre of the Catholic faith, and according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is the source and summit of Christian life (CCC 1324). In John 6:55-56, Jesus clearly states that, "My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.’’ At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He took bread, and when he had given thanks He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19). This command was followed in the early Church, “They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) St Paul also says, “The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16)

THE HOLY SPIRIT

According to Catholic teaching, the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus are present within the Blessed Sacrament. At the Consecration the priest, in the role of Christ, speaks the words of Jesus over the offering, “This is My Body…. This is My Blood…” It is these words and the Holy Spirit that convert the substance of the bread into the body of Christ, although the external appearance does not change. Similarly by the words of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit the substance of the wine becomes the blood of Jesus. The term ‘transubstantiation’ is used to define this metamorphosis. According to Pope Francis, “The Eucharist is Jesus who gives himself entirely to us, to nourish ourselves with him and abide in him through Holy Communion. If we do it with faith, it transforms our life into a gift to God and to our brothers.

FAITH TO BELIEVE

Is there any scientific proof? No, this truth can only be viewed through the eyes of faith. Although we have the Tradition of millions of Christians through two thousand years who have believed, fought for and even died because of their belief in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Saint Augustine advises that, "Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward for this faith is to see what we believe." He is saying that once you take a step of faith and believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist then God will open your eyes and your heart to this truth. “When He was at the table with them, He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.” (Luke 24: 30-31)

"If Angels could be jealous of men, they would be for one reason: Holy Communion." - St. Maximilian Kolbe