Dear Catholic Exchange:
Isn't Jesus physically present in the Holy Eucharist? My evangelical relatives say they don't believe this, which they wouldn't, but today I'm finding out that some Catholics in our little bible study group believe He is only spiritually present. From where did this idea come? This has me feeling very upset, because I believe what I've always been taught, that He is truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity. Should we go to Holy Communion if we don't believe in Jesus' real physical presence in the Holy Eucharist? I'd appreciate your advice as I am so depressed about this.
Thank you
R. C. in Pa.
Dear R.C.,
Peace in Christ!
“Physically” can convey part of truth, but is inaccurate. The Church uses different language:
“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.'” (Catechism, no. 1374).
Thus people often use “substantially” to refer to the mode of His Presence.
For more information on how the Church has spoken of Christ's Presence, see our Faith Fact “This is My Body”
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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