Promise and Fulfillment Chapter 20

“This is a hard saying.” John 6:60 Two common arguments against the Eucharist: Cannibalism: Is receiving the Eucharist cannibalism? No, the species remains the same…the substance changes. Symbolism: Is the Eucharist only a symbol of Jesus’ Body and Blood? No, Jesus dis not say at the Last Supper: “This is a symbol of my Body and this chalice is a symbol of my Blood.” It is truly Jesus’ Body and Blood—because he said so…”This IS MY BODY… This IS MY BLOOD”

Why did the apostle’s accept Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Eucharist? They spent time with Jesus. They saw Jesus doing good and being a witness of God. They heard his teachings and they made sense. When they were alone, Jesus explained his parables for clearer understanding. They saw Jesus work many miracles…including healings, calming the storm, walking on water, forgiving of sins… They saw that how others who encountered Him changed for the better. They knew the changes they saw in themselves…including the power to heal people and preach to people in Jesus’ name. WE ALL KNOW OF HIS GREATEST MIRACLE: THE RESURRECTION—JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD!

My Flesh is Food Indeed Jesus meant to be taken literally when He said that His “Flesh is true food” and His “Blood is true drink.” The Eucharist is spiritual food, nourishment for our souls. Some Christians doubt the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but for 1500 years all Christians believed that Jesus meant to be taken literally.

The REAL PRESENCE Most other Christian denominations do not believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist and cannot have Eucharist in their churches. They do not have Holy Orders that trace priesthood back to the apostles. They often have communion services with crackers/bread and grape juice/wine in order to recall Jesus’ gift of himself in a “spiritual communion.” Non-Catholics should not receive Communion in a Catholic Church…because “Amen” is a response meaning “I believe” Catholics should not share in communion in a non-Catholic church because of this difference in our Faith.

Eucharistic Misunderstandings Here are three of the most common misunderstandings about the Eucharist: Consubstantiation: The belief that the bread and wine remain bread and wine, but Jesus is somehow present with them; the bread and wine coexist with Jesus. (Martin Luther) Spiritual Presence: The belief that Jesus is spiritually present, but not really present. (John Calvin) Symbolism: This belief teaches that Jesus is not present at all. The bread and wine are just symbols of His body and blood. (Huldreich Zwingli) This is probably the most common view in protestant churches today.

What happens when we receive the Eucharist worthily? The Eucharist is the source of all grace. Therefore, when we receive Him worthily, we experience an increase of sanctifying grace in our souls. We become more like Jesus. We grow in holiness. Receiving the Eucharist can pardon our venial sins. The Eucharist strengthens us to overcome temptations and helps us to break bad habits. Grow in anticipation of heaven.

Unworthy Reception of Holy Communion 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 Partaking of the Supper Unworthily  Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves.  For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. Be FREE from mortal SIN (be in a state of grace) Fast for one hour (except for water and medicine) KNOW WHOM YOU ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE Receive reverently Offer prayers of thanksgiving