EUCHARIST
IS THERE A REAL PRESENCE OF JESUS IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST?
Based on biblical references, there is strong evidence for the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Here are some key passages and their meanings:
1. The Last Supper:
– Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20: At the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly stated, “This is my body” and “This is my blood” when referring to the bread and wine. The use of “is” indicates a literal interpretation.
– “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'” (Mt 26:26-28).
2. The Bread of Life Discourse:
– John 6:51-58: Jesus declares, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” He emphasizes that “my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”
– “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
3. Paul’s Teachings on the Eucharist:
– 1 Corinthians 11:23-29: Paul writes that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. This implies a real presence, not just a symbol.
– “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
– “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:16: Paul states, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” This suggests a real, physical participation.
REFLECTION
The message for Christians is clear: in the Eucharist, we truly receive the body and blood of Christ, not just symbols. This real presence allows for an intimate union with Jesus and serves as spiritual nourishment. It fulfills Christ’s promise to be with us always and provides a tangible means of grace.
This belief in the real presence was held by the early Church Fathers and has been a central tenet of Christian faith for centuries. It calls for reverence, careful preparation, and gratitude when participating in the Eucharist. As St. Paul admonishes, believers are called to self-examination and repentance before partaking in the Eucharist to avoid receiving it unworthily.
For Christians today, this doctrine emphasizes the profound love of Christ, who gives Himself fully to us in this sacrament. It invites us to approach the Eucharist with faith, recognizing its transformative power in our spiritual lives. Receiving the Eucharist means accepting Jesus’ invitation to abide in Him as He abides in us. This sacramental union nourishes the soul, strengthens faith, and fosters the growth of the Christian community.
By understanding and believing in the Real Presence, Christians can experience a more intimate relationship with Christ and draw strength for their spiritual journey.