Joshua Bennett
The Eucharist is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion in Catholic tradition. It is derived from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. The Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence is the belief that Jesus Christ is literally present in the Holy Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity. The bread and wine are believed to have been transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ, with the 'substance' of the bread and wine changing while the 'accidents' or physical appearance remain the same. This belief has been affirmed repeatedly by the Catholic Church throughout history, and is considered a core aspect of Catholic faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Eucharist comes from the Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving" |
| Definition | A sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion |
| Purpose | To express gratitude to Jesus for his sacrifice on the Cross and offer it anew |
| Substance | The bread and wine are believed to be transubstantiated into the body and blood of Jesus Christ |
| Real Presence | The belief that Jesus Christ is literally present in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity |
| Mass | The celebration of the Eucharist makes present the sacrifice of the cross |
| Latin Church Rule | One must abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before Holy Communion |
| Eastern Catholic Churches | The traditional practice is to make the sign of the cross and bow profoundly |
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What You'll Learn
The Eucharist is a sacrament of thanksgiving and communion
The Eucharist is a fundamental part of Catholic doctrine and tradition. The term Eucharist is derived from the Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving". This name reflects the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion.
During the Eucharist, Catholics believe that the consecrated bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ – this is known as transubstantiation. While the "substance" of the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ, the "accidents" or observable characteristics remain the same, so they still look and taste like bread and wine. This belief is based on the Bible, where Jesus says, "I am the bread of life".
The Eucharist is a time for Catholics to express gratitude to Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross and to offer it anew. The priest, reflecting Christ, makes Jesus present for the benefit of the faithful during the Eucharist. The Body and Blood of Christ are treated with reverence during and after the Eucharist, with specific practices varying between the Latin Church and Eastern Catholic Churches.
The Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence is integral to understanding the Eucharist. This doctrine asserts that Jesus Christ is literally, not just symbolically, present in the Eucharist – body, blood, soul, and divinity. This belief has been affirmed repeatedly throughout history by the Catholic Church and within Catholic theology. However, a recent survey suggests that many Catholics may not fully embrace this doctrine.
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The bread and wine are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ
The Eucharist is a term that comes from the Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving". It is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion in Catholic tradition. The Eucharist is a celebration of the sacrifice of the cross, where Jesus offered his body and blood for humanity's salvation.
Catholics believe that during Mass, the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. This transubstantiation is a change in the substance of the bread and wine, which becomes the body and blood of Christ, while the observable characteristics of the bread and wine, such as their physical appearance, remain unchanged. This belief is known as the Real Presence, where the substance of the Eucharist is Jesus Christ himself, not just a symbol.
The doctrine of the Real Presence is based on the idea that Jesus is literally present in the Eucharist, as stated in the Bible: "I am the bread of life". This belief has been affirmed repeatedly by the Catholic Church throughout history, with the Church declaring at the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 that "his body and blood are truly contained in the sacrament of the altar under the forms of bread and wine".
The priest, who reflects Christ, makes Jesus present to the faithful through the Eucharist. Catholics show reverence to the Eucharist both during and after the Mass, following rules such as abstaining from food and drink for a period before receiving the sacrament.
While most Catholics may not fully comprehend the concept of the Eucharist, it remains a fundamental aspect of Catholic faith and liturgy, expressing gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice.
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The substance-accident distinction explains the unchanged appearance of the Eucharist
In Catholic Tradition, the Eucharist is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion. The term is derived from the Greek word "eucharistia", which means "thanksgiving".
The Eucharist is also used for the bread and wine when transubstantiated, according to Catholic teaching, into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This change at the level of substance from bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is called "transubstantiation". The substance of the bread and wine are changed at consecration, but the "accidents" or appearances remain. These external characteristics visibly endure without change, including aspects like colour, size, shape, or any other observable feature.
The Council of Trent did not impose the Aristotelian theory of substance and accidents, but it did affirm the mysterious and radical change that takes place by consecration of the bread and wine. The term "transubstantiation" was used at least by the 11th century to speak of this change and was in widespread use by the 12th century. The Fourth Council of the Lateran used it in 1215.
The Body and Blood of Christ present under the appearances of bread and wine are treated with the greatest reverence both during and after the celebration of the Eucharist. For example, the consecrated bread is placed in a tabernacle that is "in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer". According to the tradition of the Latin Church, one should genuflect in the presence of the tabernacle containing the reserved sacrament.
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The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
The Eucharist is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion in Catholic tradition. The term is derived from the Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving".
The Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence is the belief that Jesus Christ is literally—not just symbolically—present in the Holy Eucharist, in body, blood, soul, and divinity. This belief is based on the Bible, where Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died".
The celebration of the Eucharist is a powerful offering of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where he offered his body and blood for humanity's salvation. The priest, reflecting Christ, makes Jesus present for the benefit of the faithful and the world. The Body and Blood of Christ, present under the appearances of bread and wine, are treated with the utmost reverence during and after the Eucharist.
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Fasting before receiving the Eucharist
The discipline of fasting before communion has deep roots, as evidenced by Pope Pius XII's 1953 apostolic constitution, "Christus Dominus". In it, he notes that the practice of fasting before receiving the Eucharist dates back to the early Church. Over time, various Church Councils, such as the Council of Hippo in 393 and the Third Council of Carthage in 397, issued decrees mandating fasting for those celebrating the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
The current norm for fasting before communion is outlined in Canon Law No. 919, which states that "one who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, except water and medicine, for at least one hour before Holy Communion". This rule applies to members of the Latin Church, while Eastern Catholics follow the traditions of their respective Churches, often requiring a longer period of fasting.
Fasting is not just a physical act but also a spiritual preparation. Saint Augustine affirmed the importance of receiving the Eucharist while fasting, stating that abstinence from food and drink is an expression of "supreme reverence" to Jesus Christ. This act symbolises that receiving the Eucharist is the "first and loftiest nourishment" for our souls, enhancing our holiness.
The practice of fasting varies among different Catholic groups. For example, the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI) encourages a Eucharistic Fast of abstaining from food and alcohol three hours before receiving Holy Communion, although it is not mandatory. Additionally, some Latin Catholics observe the pre-1955 discipline of fasting from midnight until Holy Communion. It is important to note that fasting requirements are generally relaxed for individuals with specific needs, such as the elderly, the ill, pregnant and nursing women, and young children.
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Frequently asked questions
The Eucharist is a sacrament and sacrifice of thanksgiving and communion. It is derived from the Greek word "eucharistia", which means "thanksgiving".
During the Eucharist, the bread and wine are consecrated by the priest and become the body and blood of Christ. This is known as transubstantiation, where the substance of the bread and wine changes, but their physical appearance remains the same.
Traditional Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist because they interpret Jesus' words in the Bible literally. They believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, body, blood, soul, and divinity.
