I'm just going to come right out and say it; it does sound kind of crazy that Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Once I was explaining this belief to a non-Christian friend and he was looking at me like I had two heads. I mean, how is it even possible? Well, it is because God is God and he can do anything, and through the gift of Faith, we Catholics believe, right? Nope not all of us. According to a Pew research study in 2019, 70% of Catholics DO NOT BELIEVE in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. What! I guess it sounds crazy to Catholics too. I'm not here to speculate why Catholics don't believe. I went to Catholic school for 12 years and I do not remember ever understanding that Jesus was really present in the Eucharist. It could be the school's fault, it could be my parent’s fault, for they were not devout Catholics, or it could just be my fault for not paying attention in school. In any case, I left the Church as soon as I could after high school. I did not believe any of it. I'll write about my return to the faith in another blog, but I mention my upbringing now because I imagine that the 70% of Catholics that do not believe were brought up in a similar fashion, not having anyone in their lives who were passionate about the faith. I am here to testify that I DO BELIEVE in the "Real Presence" and that it is the Pearl of Great Price, an Infinite Treasure, and the supreme act of the Madness of Love God possesses for us.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The mode of Christ's Presence under the Eucharist species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as "the perfection of all spiritual life and the end to which all sacraments tend." In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained." "This presence is called 'real'...because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely Present." -CCC 1374
The fact that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist is a miracle. All throughout history and in many ways our Lord is calling us to this reality and the necessity of worshipping and receiving him in the Eucharist. He speaks of it in the Bible (Jn 6), through the Pope and the Magisterium of the Church, through the Blessed Mother in approved Marian apparitions, through testimonies of Saints and Martyrs, and through Eucharistic miracles where the Host 'turned into human flesh and blood'(Lanciano to name one). Just do a quick google search and you will be blown away by all the evidence out there supporting the truth of 'Real Presence' or better yet check out this website www.therealpresence.org. I think it’s important to arm ourselves with this information so we can keep the fire in our hearts burning and share it with the people our Lord puts into our lives, Catholic or not. All the stories are truly fascinating and even if you share them with someone who doesn't believe or who thinks you are crazy at least they can't say it was a boring conversation. Sometimes we just plant seeds.
I'll leave you with some quotes to contemplate in your prayer time if you choose.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price he goes and sells all that he has and buys it." (Matt 13:45-46)
"Jesus, the madness of your love has stolen my heart. You are small and helpless, so that those who eat you become great." (Saint Jose Maria Escriva)
"There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us." (Saint John Vianney)
"Jesus said, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (Jn. 20:29)
"The madness of love is a blessed fate; and if we understood this, we would seek no other. It brings into unity what was divided. And this is the truth: it makes bitterness sweet; it makes the stranger a neighbor, and what was lowly it raises on high." (Hadewijch)
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