R
runandsew
Guest
OK here is from the DidacheWe can start with the Didache.
…
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, “Give not that which is holy to the dogs.”
The people who receive the Eucharist have to be baptized first. And at that time, they did not just come to a belief and were baptized the same day, they went through a long catechesis program which could last a year or more. They were probably taught in their training about the real presence, so they would not be scandalized if they had received it unprepared.
Also it says that it is “HOLY”, which would show that it was something more than just a symbol.
Plus the early Christians were accused of cannibalism, you can’t be a cannibal if you are just eating a symbol.
1 Corinthians 11:27
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.
Just like it was mentioned in the Didache… It is HOLY.