Looking into the Real Essence of the Holy Eucharist!

Looking into the Real Essence of the Holy Eucharist!

A subject that should raise the eyebrows of every Roman Catholic.  Who would even think that a discussion regarding the Eucharist is necessary?  For those who are not Catholic and attend a Mass for some reason such as weddings or funerals, a thorough explanation cannot be given at the moment of Holy Communion.  Even lay ministers of communion should be given some catechesis on the theology of the species they are about to distribute to the faithful.  

It has become a constant crisis in the Church when too many do not look upon the Body and Blood of Christ as being nothing but the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.  The very reason we do not allow non-Catholics to receive the host is because of their lack of understanding the theology that the Church teaches regarding the Real Presence of Christ in the host.

As written before, this is not just a philosophical theorem that the Church made up.  And the practice of comparing protestant denominations or other believers with a common practice of sharing crackers and grape juice as their holy communion must leave that practice out of the Catholic Church.  This is another mandate that Catholics may not receive the communion at protestant churches since it places any reception of a make-believe Jesus the same no matter what dogmas we choose.  

Where has the theology of the holy Eucharist come from?  Since most protestant denominations and/or Christian Evangelists preach the importance of the Holy Bible, let’s go there and place the essence of the Miracle of the Loaves and fish.  

When we read John’s Gospel, it is necessary to understand this is different from the Synoptics.  In Matthew, Mark, and Luke when we come across miracles, parables, and guidance to understanding Jesus’ mission from Incarnation to Resurrection of Jesus.  John, on the other hand, is called the Book of signs.  He is very theological and every sign brings to the reader a deep view of who Jesus is and the essence of his Father becomes a realistic union of this relationship.  In each sign we can feel the connection of the Word of God touching our senses and know this Gospel is about the Trinity and our place in it.

Try to get the theme of this story, which is not just a narrative with reflections of a written event.  Find within the step by step occurrence of Jesus, in touch with his Father, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, complete the very miracle we share at every Holy Mass.  Jesus said to Phillip, “Where can we buy enough food for these people to eat?”  There were at least 5,000 men not including the women and children.  Phillip answered him, “Two hundred days worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little bit.”  Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”   (Jn 6:5 - 6, 11-12).  

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much fish as they wanted.  When they had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” The implication here parallels the number of those receiving holy communion at Mass is never a problem since the Holy Spirit brought about the very elements of our Holy Mass and the Transubstantiation

For those who would dispute the Multiplication of the Loaves with the Holy Mass and Jesus Christ standing in the place of the priest as he says the words, “This is my Body; and the same when he lifts the chalice and says, “This is my Blood given for the remission of sins.”  

Also, the last sign that he is the Son of God proving his divinity;  “Father, I thank you for hearing me.  I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”  And when he had said this he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  (Jn 11: 41 - 43).  

Of course there are other verses in John’s Gospel that refer us to Signs.  But these two are perfections of the ministry of Jesus Christ.  The first sign mentioned here deals with the Transubstantiation culminating the resurrection at the doxology when the chalice and paten are raised; Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.”

Through Catholicism we find more than just biblical occurrences.  We live the essence of Christ alive, guiding his people through the Holy Spirit, and existing Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in our presence.  This is Catholic, true and complete.  These two signs are the Eucharist, real and everlasting.  

Ralph B. Hathaway