We did a Catholic Central episode on the Eucharist, but digging into the supernatural transubstantiation (that’s a mouthful!) at the heart of that requires an episode of its own.
In “Catholic Central: Real Presence,” Kai and Libby examine what it means when Catholics talk about the Real Presence in the Eucharist. Where does this belief come from? How does it affect us today?
Diving Deeper
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At Mass we say “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Are there areas in your life where you need healing so that you can better receive God? What actions can you take so that God can do more in your life?
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Have you ever struggled with the mystery of the Eucharist? You are not alone! The Eucharist, like the Trinity, is a mystery of the Church that many Catholics have wrestled with for years. What are the biggest reasons behind those struggles? What is different about this belief in comparison to others?
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Why do you think that God chooses to give himself to us through bread? How has bread been life-giving in human history? What are the benefits to making the Eucharist happen in this way?
Activity
Spend some quiet time in a church to dwell with God. Feeling lost? Try meditating on John, Chapter 6.
Reflection
If you’ve been watching Mass via live streaming over the Internet, does not being in physical proximity to the altar, or even the church, detract from feeling the Real Presence? Is your sense of the Eucharist enhanced or lessened by having to watch Mass on the television/laptop? Do you feel the reality of “spiritual communion” that St. Alphonsus Liguori spoke of? There no easy answer in this case. Such pondering might lead you to two insights: greater appreciation for the Sacrament when you do receive it again, and for the brains that God gave the human race – and that someone invented live streaming!
