Holy Eucharist – Real Presence of Jesus Christ

(Plain Text Version)

We have discussed the Holy Eucharist as the sacrifice of Christ for our salvation and as Holy Communion.  Today we will look at the Holy Eucharist as the sacrament of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Holy Trinity.

How is Jesus Present in the Eucharist?

The word “presence” can mean a lot of things.  When we remember a loved one who passed away, we can have a sense that that person is “with us.”  When a teacher takes a roll call, we answer “present” to indicate we are really in the same room.  In the case of the roll call we would say that we are “really present.”  This is a much stronger presence than the memory of someone who has died.

There is a “presence” which we appreciate only when we hear it preached and believe it by faith.  This is the bodily presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. 

Pope St. Paul VI Explains “Presence”

At this time, the Church is suffering from a lack of appreciation of the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  Over 50 years ago, Pope Paul VI wrote the letter, Mysterium Fidei, to help us to realize what a great gift we have.  This letter can be read in about one hour.  I recommend it!

I will try to summarize Pope Paul’s explanation of the various meanings of “presence” in paragraphs 35-39.

Christ is present in many ways:

When the Church prays,

When the Church performs works of mercy,

With the Church as she journeys to heaven,

Speaking through the Church as she preaches the Gospel,

In the Church as it governs the People of God,

In the celebration of the sacraments by the Church.

Christ is truly present in all the above ways, but in the Holy Eucharist He is present whole and entire, God and Man.  The Holy Eucharist is not a symbol which brings us to Christ.  The Holy Eucharist is Christ Himself.

Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation, meaning “Change of Substance” is a word we do not hear in secular conversations.  It applies only to an event which takes place in a Mass celebrated by a validly ordained priest or bishop.  Transubstantiation is the change of the substance of wheat bread and grape wine into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ.  After this change, no bread or wine remains.  We should think and speak according to this reality.  The best terms are “Body of Christ” and “Blood of Christ”.  Expressions like “the bread” or “the wine” are incorrect and erode our appreciation for the blessed gift of God Himself.   

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday

Pope Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei, 1965, https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_03091965_mysterium.html

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