Pastoral Messages

September 7, 2001

Together in His Name

The Eucharist:  Mystery and Gift                                                                                 

By BISHOP JOSEPH A. FIORENZA

     A few years ago there was a widely reported poll which claimed that a rather large number of Catholics believed that the Eucharist was only a symbol of Jesus and not his real presence. As with all polls, much depends on how the questions are asked and on who are the respondents. In what sense did the question use the word "symbol"? How many of the respondents were regular in the practice of the faith and how many were Catholic in name only? The answers to these and other questions about the poll would help in judging the accuracy of this often quoted poll.

     Whether or not the poll was accurate, there is a certain misunderstanding about Catholic teaching on the Eucharist. For some converts to the Church, the mystery and gift of the Eucharist is difficult to accept in faith. For some Catholics, the understanding of the Eucharist is faulty and theologically inaccurate. To address the questions that often arise about the Eucharist, the United States Catholic Bishops have published an easy to read pamphlet in question and answer form that discusses common questions about the Eucharist. Entitled, "The Red Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist," this teaching document is appropriate not only for private use, but also for the R.C.I.A. and parish

It is the grave responsibility of the Church to direct and regulate the celebration of the Eucharist and to protect this most precious gift from abuse and faulty teaching.

and neighborhood study clubs.

     The Eucharist is both a sacrifice and a sacrament. As sacrifice, the Eucharist re-presents Christ's death on the cross, in which he offered his body and blood for "the forgiveness of sins." It is a ritual memorial making present to the participants the sacrifice of Christ for our redemption. The common use of the word "sacrifice" is not very helpful for the explanation of the Eucharist, which is a unique sacrifice in sacramental form. The sacrificial memorial of the Eucharist is manifested by the offering of the body and blood of Christ to the Father in thanksgiving, adoration and petition.

     As sacrament, the Eucharist is the holy presence of Jesus, true and real, effected by the conversion of the bread and wine into his body and blood. This conversion, the Church teaches, is properly called transubstantiation. The conversion results from the power of Christ's word and the Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. John Chrysostom on this point: "It is not man that causes the things offered to become the body and blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God's. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered" (1128).

     The Bishops' pamphlet address the understanding of the Eucharist as sacrifice and sacrament, and other related Eucharistic teachings, including adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Among the 15 questions are:

     "Why is the Eucharist not only a meal but also a sacrifice?"

     "When the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, why do they still look and taste like bread and wine?"

     "Are the consecrated bread and wine merely symbols?"

     "If a believer who is conscious of having committed mortal sin eats and drinks the consecrated bread and wine, does he or she still receive the body and blood of Christ?"

     "Does one receive the whole Christ if one receives Holy Communion under a single form?"

     "Why do we call the presence of Christ in the Eucharist a mystery?"

     I hope that you will take advantage of learning more about the mystery of the Eucharist. It is Christ's most special gift to the Church. Indeed, it is the most valued treasure of the Church and in the words of the Second Vatican Council, "the summit and source of all its activities." It is the grave responsibility of the Church to direct and regulate the celebration of the Eucharist and to protect this most precious gift from abuse and faulty teaching. The Eucharistic presence of Jesus deserves the greatest reverence and respect from all members of the Church. This is shown not only by genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament, but also by the reverent manner in which all ministers of the Eucharist carry the sacrament for distribution at Communion time or to the sick at home or in hospitals.

     Again, I urge every parish to have a weekly time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The promotion of this devotion will bring more parishioners to a more intimate love and knowledge of Jesus. I repeat my earlier request that the parish adoration of the sacramental presence of Jesus include special prayers for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

     You can obtain this Bishops' document, "The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist" from local Catholic bookstores ($1.25), and by toll-free (800-235-8722) or fax order (202-722-8709) Bulk rates are available.