As Catholics, we believe that Holy Communion (Eucharist) we receive at Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist) is truly the body and blood of Christ. This mystery of faith was foretold in the Gospels and then given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ on the Last Supper.
Over the past few weeks at Mass the Gospel readings have come from the Gospel of John. These readings when interpreted correctly, illustrate to us that Jesus Christ is the most perfect sacrifice and His intention for us to celebrate this through the sacrament of the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is foretold in “The Bread of Life Discourse” beginning at John 6:22 but, for illustrative purposes I will begin with John 6:50 as it is written; “this is the bread that comes down from heaven so one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Jesus says this to the people gathered in many different ways, emphasizing that He is the bread of life and stating that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. After hearing this, many of His followers left Him, not believing what He had said. Prior to them leaving Jesus confronted them and asked them, “What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?”
Jesus then looked at the twelve and asked them if they wanted to leave. Simon Peter responded saying, “Master to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69.
As Catholics we believe that Jesus blessed the Apostles with the Holy Spirit to teach the world of Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation for the world. Jesus also commissioned them to carry out the sacraments of the Church. The Apostles did so, starting with ordainingMathias, replacing Judas (the betrayer) Acts 1:15-26. The Apostles continued their work, having full authority of the church. St. Peter was infallible in his word and authority both of which continue on in the Papacy, St. Peter being the first. As Catholics we believe this line of succession has never broken.
The mysticism of the Christian faith has been eaten away by society. Despite miracles being recorded throughout history, as people of God we have lost faith in them. The mystery of transubstantiation (bread and wine becoming the body and blood of Jesus) is one of these miracles that occur at each Mass across the world. Non-catholic churches that used to believe in the Eucharist have gone from believing in transubstantiation to, “If you think it’s real for you, then it is real” and “it is only a symbol” in order to conform to societies’ ideals and beliefs. Referring back to the Gospel readings we see the same lack of belief for miracles two-thousand years ago in John 6:64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.”
Rather than just explain the Eucharist during the Homily, the priest detailed some of the criticisms that society has of the Catholic church such as; abortion, death penalty, same sex marriage, and birth control (everyone knows what the stance of the Catholic church is on all of these issues and we believe this to be the infallible moral truth). The priest then spoke of Jesus letting some of His followers go after He explained the Eucharist. Today, we see people leaving the Church because of one of these criticisms. As seen in the Gospel, Jesus let these people go.
The Catholic church has been blessed to continue on teaching when it comes to moral issues such as the ones mentioned above. Society though, expects the Catholic church to conform to what it thinks is politically correct, not traditionally held moral values. Expecting the Catholic church to conform to what society deems to be the correct way of life is like asking God to become more like us instead of US becoming more like Him. The definition of ‘Christian’, is simply ‘Christ like’ and Christ did not want us to water down any of his teachings in the fear of ridicule.
Finally, near the end of the homily, the Priest posed a question. He asked us if we wanted to leave. No one left and we stood as one Catholic community, parts of the body of Christ, as one, Him in us and us in Him.
© 2009 Catholics View Catholic Apologetics
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