Real Presence

Jesus said to (the Jews), “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you have no life in you” (John 6:53).

            A while ago, I was attempting to explain what the Church teaches about the Eucharist to a parishioner. “How can the Church expect us to believe Christ is really present in the Eucharist when the bread and wine look and taste the same before and after consecration”, the man asked. “In addition, the host does not resemble human flesh. Surely, what the Church means is that the consecrated bread and wine are a symbol of the Body and Blood of Christ.” When I said, this was not what the Church taught, he looked puzzled. Clearly, many Catholics find it difficult to accept that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist.

In this text from John, Jesus reveals to some Jews that unless they eat his flesh and drink his blood, they will have no life in them. By doing so, he supplies the foundation for the Catholic doctrine of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament the manna eaten by the Israelites as they crossed the Sinai Desert was considered both a sign of God’s providence and a spiritual test. A number of Bible scholars think it was probably the droppings of certain trees found in the region which could be utilized as an emergency source of food. Through the manna, the Israelites were fed by God and were able to reach the “Promised Land”. Yet, it was also used as a spiritual test. The manna always formed overnight and provided the Israelites with one day’s supply of food. If kept for the next day, it became wormy and rotten. Every sixth day, an extra supply appeared so manna would not have to be collected on the Sabbath. For the Israelites, manna was not simply food but a sign of God’s continued presence in the material world. It was also a test of how much they trusted that presence would care for them.

            John’s Bread of Life Discourse contended God’s presence in the material world could be encountered through Christ’s body. The Evangelist wrote earlier God entered physical creation at the Incarnation (when the Word became flesh). This material existence would become the means by which the sinfulness of humanity would be redeemed through the death of Jesus on the Cross. Faith in Christ and what he accomplished was crucial for gaining Eternal Life. The idea Christ’s death would surpass the Exodus as a sign of God’s saving power was unthinkable to some Jews. Others were scandalized by the belief salvation could only be attained in this way. This material connection made God and sinners a part of each other lives. Redemption from sin and entry into Eternal Life had a physical and spiritual dimension. The strong language Jesus utilized to express this teaching (eat my flesh and drink my blood) tested the faith of his followers. Yet, it showed belief that God was present in the world through Christ’s body and blood, later incorporated into participation in the Eucharist instituted at the Last Supper, was a core doctrine of Christian faith.

            The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is an opportunity to become more aware of the importance of the Church’s doctrine on Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. Within our modern society, people make judgments based on material perceptions. The bread and wine used at Mass does not change its appearance or taste at Consecration. So how do we know it really is the Body and Blood of Jesus? Because, at the Last Supper, he said “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood”. In the text, he talks about eating his Body and drinking his Blood. He does not say this is a symbol of my Body and Blood. The early Church Fathers confirm this understanding of these texts in their writings. This teaching is a question of faith which extends beyond scientific evidence. The Church’s teaching on Transubstantiation (the external qualities of the bread and wine remain the same while its substance changes) is an attempt to explain how it happens but some Catholics have questions about it. The important issue is that Christ is really present in the Eucharist (body, blood, soul and divinity). The reason acceptance of the doctrine is important is because it strengthens the belief that God’s presence in the material world is experienced in the body of Jesus.

One way to show our belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is to consider how we go to Communion. Catholics must be in a state of grace to receive Communion. Those in a state of moral sin, married outside the Church or living together are in a situation which denies the purpose of the Eucharist (to show our connection with the Body of Christ) and so should not receive the Eucharist. While coming up for Communion Catholics should be meditating on what they are about to receive. They should make some sign of reverence before receiving it and show proper respect when doing so (either or the tongue or in the hand). After receiving Communion, they should pray quietly and thank God for this great gift. Let each time we receive the Eucharist be an opportunity to profess our belief that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist.

            Many Catholics, like my parishioner, have difficulty understanding and accepting Church teaching about Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. Like so many beliefs within our tradition it appears to contradict human experience. However, because it is true, we get to encounter God’s presence in our world both materially and spiritually which helps reinforce our faith.

 

June 14, 2020