The Catechism and The Eucharist

Part 6

This month we continue on a spiritual journey sharing what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches each of us about the Eucharist.

The Eucharist in the Economy of Salvation (continued from last week)

1335: The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes the loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, prefigure the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist. The sign of water turned into wine at Cana already announces the Hour of Jesus' glorification. It makes manifest the fulfillment of the wedding feast in the Father's kingdom, where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the Blood of Christ.

1336: The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalized them: "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks. It is the same mystery, and it never ceases to be an occasion of division. "Will you also go away?": the Lord's question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has "the words of eternal life" and that to receive in faith the gift of his Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself.

Deacon George’s take:

It is the second week of Advent, from the Year of Grace. As we await the new heavens and a new earth, let us clear the way of the Lord, by being servants of justice, truth, and peace. (Ordo 2024)

As we prepare for the new year, I am recalling the thousands who walked away from Christ as he spoke about the being the true bread from heaven. Marge and I ran the Boulder County “right to life” booth at the Boulder Creek Festival for years, and during this time we were encouraged by many people, and yelled at and accosted by some. I remember one professor from the college coming up and introducing himself to me, and asking how in the world we could believe in the real presence of Jesus, when nothing changes. I was praying for the Holy Spirit to help me as he was talking about his unbelief. When he finally took a breath, I said, “To understand, you need a real relationship with Christ. For those who have this relationship have no need of proof, as they have already received it. For those who do not have this relationship with Christ, there is no proof good enough for them believe.” The professor walked away shaking his head.

Jesus, may we all come closer to you this Advent, and grow in our belief in the Eucharist and your real presence in our lives as we receive you.