Eucharist question

[wolfpup]

Hi, another quick question, I hope:

Where does the CC get the idea that the Eucharistic bread and wine are each both the blood, body, soul, divinity of Christ?
Because in the bible, we read “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood” - surely this would mean that the blood and the body are separate?

I know that is some Catholic parishes only the bread is given out - would this not violate the commands that Christ gave during the last supper, because the Apostles drank from the Cup and ate the bread? So even if one is sufficient why are both not given out, exactly as seen at the Last Supper?

 

[laszlo]

Hi, another quick question, I hope:

Where does the CC get the idea that the Eucharistic bread and wine are each both the blood, body, soul, divinity of Christ?
Because in the bible, we read “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood” - surely this would mean that the blood and the body are separate?

I know that is some Catholic parishes only the bread is given out - would this not violate the commands that Christ gave during the last supper, because the Apostles drank from the Cup and ate the bread? So even if one is sufficient why are both not given out, exactly as seen at the Last Supper?

The Church declared so, including the general rule to receive bread only. We do not believe that the Bible is the sole source of the revelation.

 

[wolfpup]

The Church declared so, including the general rule to receive bread only. We do not believe that the Bible is the sole source of the revelation.

Fair enough! I am not disputing the Church’s authority to do so. But I was looking more for the scriptural/tradition basis, otherwise it seems like it contradicts. Can you be of help?

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Fair enough! I am not disputing the Church’s authority to do so. But I was looking more for the scriptural/tradition basis, otherwise it seems like it contradicts. Can you be of help?

I’m not sure how helpful it is, but the Church teaches that while reception of both species (if permitted by the bishop of one’s diocese) is a FULLER sign, it is not a more COMPLETE sign.

Christ’s body is glorified now (it was not glorified when He offered the first Eucharist) and His body and blood are no longer ‘separate’. A human’s dead (or living) body can be ‘divided’ and in fact, if all the blood is removed from a human he or she will die. But Christ is alive.

Therefore, both ‘parts’ which symbolize the ‘essence’ of man, body and blood, are present in ‘either’ part. Whether we eat the flesh OR drink the blood, ALL of Christ is contained in either. If we 'eat the flesh AND drink the blood we are not getting 'twice as much God", likewise if we only receive body OR blood we aren’t getting ‘half of God’ because God is not divided.

 

[wolfpup]

Thanks Tantrum Ego.

I understand that the priest or bishop must recieve both for the Mass to be considered complete, is this true?

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Thanks Tantrum Ego.

I understand that the priest or bishop must recieve both for the Mass to be considered complete, is this true?

Yes, but not because receiving only one is ‘not enough’, but for the fullness of the sign by the one who is acting in ‘persona Christi’.

 

[po18guy]

I believe that you would benefit greatly from a copy of Catholicism for Dummies. It is an invaluable resource which explains Catholic beliefs and practices.

 

[wolfpup]

Sorry, I didn’t see any of the replies!

Thanks for the book recommendation po18guy, I will be sure to chase that up.

 

[PilgrimToChrist]

Hi, another quick question, I hope:

Where does the CC get the idea that the Eucharistic bread and wine are each both the blood, body, soul, divinity of Christ?
Because in the bible, we read “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood” - surely this would mean that the blood and the body are separate?

Christ’s Body and Blood are symbolically separate in the Mass because this represents death and the Mass is an unbloody re-presentation of Christ’s Sacrifice on Calvary. But since Christ actually has a glorified Body, He can no longer die. Thus both His Body and Blood are substantially present under each of the figures of bread and wine.

Christ’s Body and Blood cannot be separated from His soul – this would be death. Thus Christ’s Soul must be present where His Body and Blood are present.

Christ’s Divinity cannot be separated from His Humanity – the Incarnation is forever and ever. Thus Christ’s Divinity must be present where His Humanity (Body, Blood, and Soul) are present.

Thus Christ is present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

I know that is some Catholic parishes only the bread is given out - would this not violate the commands that Christ gave during the last supper, because the Apostles drank from the Cup and ate the bread? So even if one is sufficient why are both not given out, exactly as seen at the Last Supper?

For more than 1000 years, the West has distributed Communion to the faithful normally under the species of Bread alone. This is because of the grave danger of spilling the Most Precious Blood. Since Christ is present under each of the species, it does not matter whether someone receives only under one species or under both. The celebrating priest always receives both mingled together.

Even in the New Mass, where both elements are normally distributed to the faithful, you may only receive under either kind if you so choose.
1Cor 11:26-30:

For as often as you shall eat this bread, and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come. Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep.