Eucharist: Resources
Source and Summit of Faith
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.
The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
Frequently Asked Questions on the Eucharist
The Bread and Wine
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and
eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks,
and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for
this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on
behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:26-28;
What does it mean that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine?
A Meal and a Sacrifice?
In the previous reading the idea of the sacred meal is clear in the gospel description. But how is this also a sacrifice?
Jesus gave his life for us on the Cross. But now lives in eternity. Jesus’ one perfect sacrifice is thus eternally present before the Father, who eternally accepts it. Jesus does not sacrifice himself again and again. Rather, by the power of the Holy Spirit his one eternal sacrifice is made present once again, re-presented, so that we may share in it in the Eucharistic meal
Real or Symbolic?
What does it mean that Jesus Christ is really and truly present in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine? Does that mean Catholics think it is actually the Body and Blood of Jesus? Or does “Real Presence” mean it all symbolic? After the consecration is the bread still bread? When the Mass is over what happens to the Eucharist? Does it stop being the Real Presence?
The Tabernacle
During Mass, the Holy Eucharist is retrieved from the Tabernacle and at the end of the distribution of Holy Communion, the Eucharist that was not distrubuted is returned there. Why is there a tabernacles? Why is the Eucharist “reserved” there? What is the purpose of the candle/tabernacle light?
….and a few other questions about faith and the Eucharist?
Jesus Present in the Mass
When the Eucharist is given, the minister says “Body of Christ.” We use that expression for lots of things. While Jesus is most fully present in the Eucharist, are there other ways in which Jesus is present during the Mass?
…if we receive only the consecrated host and not the consecrated wine, do we recieve the whole Christ?
Mystery
The word “mystery” is commonly used to refer to something that escapes the full comprehension of the human mind. In the Bible, however, the word has a deeper and more specific meaning, for it refers to aspects of God’s plan of salvation for humanity, which has already begun but will be completed only with the end of time. How is the Eucharist part of the mystery of God’s salvation plan?