Jesus In The Eucharist

[Guest passerby]

I've been raised as a Catholic for my entire life, however I don't know if I've ever truly believed that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. Is there any documentation that supports Jesus' presence in the Eucharist. Could someone explain why the Eucharist isn't just symbolic.

Thank you

[Pontifex]

Please read all of the Gospel of John Chapter 6. This particular passage in scripture is known as the final discourse, because many of Jesus' followers left when he dropped the bomb on them that, "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life in you." Some protestant theologians will say that Jesus was speaking metaphorically, but ask yourself this question; If Jesus was speaking metaphorically, then when they were appauled and wanted to leave, why didn't Jesus explain that it was a symbol? Instead he turned to the twelve and asked if they were going to leave as well. The reason is clear, it is not a symbol. You cannot pick and choose what is symbol and what is literal according to your own personal belief system, but unfortunately that is what many Christian sects have done.

The teachings of the Church Fathers, from the earliest of times, support the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It was only in the 15 century when this theology was tampered with, and even when it was tampered with it wasn't abolished, that this theology was questioned. It amazes me that people cannot see, that Jesus would not allow his Church family to exist with an erroneous understanding of faith for 14 full centuries. Think about it.

There is so much more that could be said, and so many more quotes that could be used. Please brothers help me out here, I gotta go pray.

Peace,

Fr. P

[cappie]

The Eucharist as a sacrament, is a visible sign instituted by Jesus that gives grace. The Eucharistic Meal is a great mystery. During this mystery, the substance of bread and wine are converted into Jesus' body, while their appearances (or ’accidents’) remain. We believe in this transformation of bread and wine (transubstantiation) because Jesus unequivocally taught it and authorized his apostles to repeat it.

As a sacrament, the Holy Eucharist imparts to us Jesus’ abiding presence in our souls. We share in His divine life, which is an assurance of eternal life and the conviction that we are children of God the Father. God shares His life with Jesus and with all other people. In this sacrament, Jesus gives his own Body, broken for us on the cross, and his precious Blood, poured out for us in order that sins might be forgiven.

Thus, the Holy Eucharist is a sacrifice as well as a sacrament. By means of signs, symbols and prayers, it is the bloodless repetition of Christ’s death. It is a re-enactment of His sacrifice on the cross, and a memorial repeated at every Mass. It assures us of Jesus' love for us, and His forgiveness of our sins. It is the sacrament of our union with Him. Through this sacrifice, the risen Jesus becomes present on the altar, offering himself to the Father through the ministry of the priest.

Vatican II states that, as a sacrifice, the holy Eucharist is the centre and culmination of Christian life." Why? 1) Because it enables us to participate in Christ’s sacrifice as a present reality and to merit from its fruits in our own lives. 2) Because it helps us to worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the most perfect way. 3) Because, it strengthens our charity and unity in a joint offering of His body and blood. 4) Because it gives us a lasting memorial of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, reminding us of our obligation to make loving sacrifices for others.

This Holy Memorial is known by various names: 1) "The Eucharist” because Jesus offered Himself to God the Father as an act of thanksgiving. 2) "The Lord’s Supper"--or “Breaking of the Bread”--because we celebrate it as a meal. 3) "Holy Communion" because, we become one with Christ by receiving Him. 4)"Holy Mass” (=holy sending), because it presents us with a mission: “go in peace to love and serve others”.

The Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, teaches us the importance of community, the bond that results from this sacrifice. Just as numerous grains of wheat are pounded together to make the host, and many grapes are crushed together to make the wine, so we become unified in this sacrifice. Christ is the head and we are the body. Together we are one. That which unites us is our willingness to sacrifice our time and talents for our fellow members in Christ’s mystical body." This is symbolized by our sharing in the same bread and the same cup. Hence, Holy Communion strengthens our sense of unity and love.

Before the greatness of this mystery, we can exclaim with St. Augustine, "O sacrament of devotion! O sign of unity! O bond of charity!" Let us also repeat St. Thomas Aquinas' prayer of devotion in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: "O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!"

There are numerous ancient and modern references to the Real Presence in the Eucharist. I might suggest the following web page from FR Richard Barker and follow the links to Eucharist

Adventus Christi

Another link I find helpful is:Catholic Doctrinal Concordance