The dotrine of Real Presence is something unique in the Catholic Faith when it comes to the Eucharist.
“This presence is called ‘real’ – by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be ‘real’ too, but 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.”
Pt 1374 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) provides Point 1374: “The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as “the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the 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’ – by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be ‘real’ too, but 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.””
There are at least three points of view regarding the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
- Symbolic
- Reality during Communion
- Permanent reality
Permanent Reality is the doctrine that the wine and bread no longer exist as themselves but becomes the real body and blood of Christ containing all that Jesus is. In this case, the wine and bread are referred to as Hosts. This doctrine is officially known as Real Presence. Such Permanent Reality is believed to begin at Consecration until the very elements of Bread and Wine (as Hosts) are lost via regular degradation of matter, disolution and admixture with other matter (e.g. digestion).
The doctrine of Real Presence does not require the material transformation of the bread and wine. Rather it espouses the reality of the substantial presence of the body and blood of Christ and his person. This reality is a literal one that the reaction of the disciples of Christ were not rebuked by Jesus when He declared “unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, there is no life in you” [cf Chapter 6 of the Gospel according to John].
Other variants of presence can be situated anywhere between the Real Presence and no presence at all (definitely held by non-theistic point of view). One step from no presence is a symbolic presence.
The belief in symbolic presence believes that Christ is only present symbolically either in or with the bread and wine. As to how long this state is sustained varies with different groups. Either during the liturgy only, until the moment of reception or until such time there’s faith or according to the faith of the congregation.
Closer to the side of Real Presence is the belief that Real Presence only lasts from Consecration until the Communion. The time interval may also be shorter: Real Presence only happens during the actual Communion. With this one, terms such as consubstantiation can be associated.
Since the Catholic Faith believes in the Real Presence, all the symbolic interpretations come with it. Therefore, the Eucharist and Communion being a memorial and reality, and all other possible interpretations (memorial, thanksgiving, meal) can be ascribed to it.
The Real Presence also allows us to worship God in Truth and Spirit as we adore (latria) Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament. CCC 1418 summarizes it as follows.
Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. “To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord” (Paul VI, MF 66)
Pt. 1418 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Written on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), the year of our Lord 2020.
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