The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist:
More Than a Symbol
Introduction: The Heart of Worship
The Eucharist stands at the heart of Catholic worship. It is the source and summit of our faith, not merely a ritual but a profound mystery where Jesus Christ becomes truly present to us. While some view the Eucharist as a symbolic act of remembrance, the Catholic Church teaches unequivocally that the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. This belief, known as the doctrine of the Real Presence, has its foundation in Scripture, Tradition, and the consistent teaching of the Magisterium.
Scriptural Foundations
Jesus Himself establishes the truth of the Real Presence in the Gospel of John. In the Bread of Life discourse, He declares:
"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." (John 6:51, NABRE)
The reaction of His audience underscores the radical nature of His claim. Many found this teaching difficult to accept, saying, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" (John 6:60). If Jesus had been speaking figuratively, His listeners would not have reacted so strongly. They did not interpret His words symbolically; rather, they were shocked and offended, asking, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" (John 6:52). Their response shows they took His words literally, believing them to violate the Mosaic Law against consuming blood or engaging in acts resembling cannibalism. Jesus, however, did not soften His words or clarify them as symbolic. Instead, He reinforced their literal meaning, stating, "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." (John 6:55). He further emphasized, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." (John 6:54). He continued, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." (John 6:56). His insistence on this teaching led many to leave, but the apostles remained, trusting in His words (John 6:66-69). Though they did not fully understand how Jesus could literally give them His Body and Blood to eat and drink, they believed Him. As Peter said, "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).
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, fulfilling His promise:
"This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19, NABRE)
His use of "is" rather than "represents" underscores the literal reality of His gift. Critics who claim Jesus was speaking symbolically often cite other metaphors Jesus used, such as "I am the door" (John 10:9) or "I am the vine" (John 15:5). However, in those instances, the metaphors are clear and immediately understood as symbolic. In contrast, Jesus’ insistence on eating His flesh and drinking His blood caused confusion and offense precisely because He was not speaking symbolically. The shock of His listeners confirms that His words were meant to be taken literally, as evidenced by their reaction and His refusal to soften or reinterpret His teaching.
The Witness of Tradition
The early Christians firmly believed in the Real Presence. St. Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the early second century, warned against those who denied it:
"They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in His goodness, raised up again." (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 6:2, c. AD 110)
Similarly, St. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, described the Eucharistic celebration, emphasizing that the bread and wine are not ordinary food but "the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh" (First Apology, 66, c. AD 155).
The Role of Holy Orders
The sacrament of Holy Orders is essential to the consecration of the Eucharist. The priest, acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), speaks the words of consecration that effect the transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. This ability is valid only within the Catholic Church, including the Eastern Rite Churches in full communion with Rome—such as the Maronite, Melkite, Chaldean, Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, Armenian, Coptic, and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches—which share in this sacramental authority. This unity reflects the Church's diversity while maintaining its essential oneness. Similarly, the Orthodox Churches maintain valid Holy Orders, and their priesthood is recognized for this sacramental authority.
Outside these traditions, the sacramental authority necessary for consecration does not exist. As a result, non-Catholic ministers, even if they replicate the gestures and words of the Mass, cannot confect the Eucharist. Their bread and wine remain symbolic representations rather than becoming the true Body and Blood of Christ. This exclusivity can create friction between Catholic and Protestant Christians. Protestant traditions often claim that the Eucharist must be symbolic, interpreting Scripture in a way that diverges from its intended meaning. While we respect all who come to Christ in faith, it is deeply saddening that many Christians outside the Catholic family do not get to experience this profoundly faithful, beautiful, and intimate encounter with Christ through His Body and Blood. Many of these divisions stem from prideful traditions that insist on their own interpretations of Scripture to justify their existence. As a result, devout Christians who genuinely seek to follow Christ are unable to participate fully in the sacrificial gift of the Eucharist as reflected in the Scriptures. This is a tragedy, and it highlights the ongoing need for prayer and dialogue toward Christian unity.
Called to Unity
Despite these divisions, the Catholic Church does not consider itself an exclusive Christian entity. Rather, it invites all believers to inclusiveness, as Christ prayed:
"That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." (John 17:21, NABRE)
St. Paul echoes this call to unity, writing:
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6, NABRE)
The Church continues to extend this invitation to all Christians, calling them home to celebrate the Eucharist together. In doing so, we strive to fulfill Christ's desire for unity, becoming one family in Him. Together, as one body, we can fully embrace the transformative power of the Eucharist and proclaim the truth of His Real Presence to the world.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible, New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE).
Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans.
Justin Martyr, First Apology.
St. Augustine, Sermon 227.
St. Thomas Aquinas, Adoro Te Devote.
Council of Trent, Session XIII, Canon II.