REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST
Christ is always present in His Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, not only in the person of His minister but also under the Eucharistic species. By His power, He is present in the sacraments. He is present in His word, since it is He, Himself, who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in church. He is present, lastly, when the Church prays and sings, for He promised: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt. 18:20).
REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST
Principles
- Christ is really and truly present under the form of bread and wine.
- The Eucharist contains the “whole Christ.”
- In holy Communion we share in God’s own life.
- The Eucharist is both real and a symbol.
- Other modes of Christ’s presence point toward the Real Presence in the sacramental species.
REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST
For Your Reflection
Am I really present to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist? What keeps me from being truly and really present to God at Mass?
Do I experience Jesus’ presence in the community, in the Word proclaimed and in the ministry of the priest and others? How can I better encounter Jesus in these ways?
What are some ways I can be the presence of Christ to others?
