Sacramental Re-presentation

[fulloffaith]

Hi, i have a question,

What, in plain English, does it mean when it is said that a priest or bishop makes something sacramentally present? A particular emphasis on the Eucharist would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

 

[Brain]

Sorry is this is a little stylized, it is from a reflection I gave at a church even one time.
The sacraments revolve around the mystery of Anamnesis, mystically re-experiencing and participating in the ministry of Christ freed from restrictions of time and space. The mass *is *the upper room and Calvary and Heaven all at the same time. In reconciliation we are the adulteress or the cripple looking with hope into the eyes of the God-man and being forgiven and healed by him. In confirmation we actually participate in Pentecost, and so on. We come before God and we touch eternity in and through His ministers.

 

[JimG]

Hi, i have a question,

What, in plain English, does it mean when it is said that a priest or bishop makes something sacramentally present? A particular emphasis on the Eucharist would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

With respect to the Eucharist, it means that Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, offered for our sins, is made present to us. It makes it as really present to us as it was present to the onlookers at the time. It is a sacramental presence because it occurs under the appearances of bread and wine.