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Thursday is Holy Thursday, the day Jesus established the Eucharist.
Our belief in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist distinguishes us from other religions. Greek Orthodox and some Episcopalians also believe in the true
presence, but most others don't.
Belief in the true presence is the centerpiece of our faith and worship.
At Mass we receive Jesus in communion,
and He is offered as a sacrifice to the father.
On Holy Thursday, at the last supper, Christ instituted the Eucharist.
The events described in John Ch. 6 starting about verse 50 make it clear that Jesus is serious about His presence in the Eucharist. Jesus is addressing His followers. He says, "I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; The bread I give is my flesh, for the life of the world." John 6:51The people quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can He give us His flesh to eat?" John 6:52Jesus continued to press His point. He said, "My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink." John 6:56Many of his disciples said, "This sort of talk is hard to endure! How can anyone take it seriously?" John 6:60Jesus did not recant. He did not say that He was only speaking symbolically, even though he lost many followers. He did not change what He said. He said to Peter, "Do you want to leave me too?"Peter didn't say that Jesus made a lot of sense. Rather he expressed his faith in Jesus. Peter said, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe that You are God's Holy One." John 6:68-69We too have to have faith in Jesus if we are to believe He is present in the Eucharist. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says, "I am with you always, until the end of the age."Jesus is with us in the Blessed Sacrament. We can visit Him and unload our problems on Him. He will help us. O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. |