Explaining the Eucharist

[po18guy]

Is this also why the curch bells ring at the time of the consecration? At least in our town the church bells always ring for about a minute or so.

The ringing of the bells tells the entire community that a miracle is occurring - first at the epiclesis, or calling down of the Holy Spirit to make the gifts of bread and wine holy; then the dual miracles which occur at the consecration of the bread and wine. For Catholics who think that they have never witnessed a miracle, each mass is miraculous.

As an example, at the consecration, I offer the following personal prayers: “Praise to you, most Holy Spirit, for by Your goodness, You have changed the substance of this bread into the saving Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Alleluia.” Then, “Praise to you, most Holy Spirit, for by Your goodness, You have changed the substance of this wine into the cleansing Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Alleluia.”

They are true miracles in our presence - yet many of us simply do not recognize that fact. I did not for years.

 

[atanasoff]

This book helped me a bunch!

‘Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist’ by Bran Pitre
subtitle: ‘Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper’

I found a used copy on Amazon.com
It was recommended by my priest.

 

[LaMusicaSenior]

Here’s a thought I had today concerning the Eucharist and our Protestant brothers and sisters not accepting Christ’s real presence.

 Protestants are Christians - in that they believe Christ is God.  They also believe God is the divine creator - and within this He is found to be all perfect, all knowing, all loving, all places, etc.  

 Sometimes words change reality.  When a cop says, "you are under arrest," you are no longer a free person.  When an umpire says, "you are out," you are no longer in the game.  

 Similiarly, God's words change reality.  When God said, "Let there be light." There was light!  And when God said. "It was good," It was good!  So, if Christians believe Christ is God, and Christ says in John 6, "This is my body,"  Why wouldn't it be His body?

 Thus, if the Protestant religion denies the ability of the consecrated host to be Christ's body, even though Christ said it was, then they infact deny Christ's divinity.

 If Christ says, "This is my body,"  and then it is not His body, but just a symbol, our faith is infact in vain.

Just some thoughts