Ambrose, who lived in the fourth century, wrote, “Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before?” In the face of questions, misunderstanding and attack, the Church has defined, defended and reinforced its teaching on the Real Presence. During outdoor Eucharist processions, some spectators hurled taunts and insults, and their behaviors were so disrespectful that the processions were taken off the streets and moved back into cathedrals and churches to uphold and protect the sanctity of the Eucharist. Over the centuries, some non-believers have attacked the Catholic belief in the Real Presence with claims that it is impossible, ridiculous or superstition. There are a number of faulty explanations that are contrary to the Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence: that the bread and wine remain bread and wine and that there is no change that they become the spiritual presence of Christ, not the actual presence that they become a symbol that represents Christ’s presence that they are a reminder, memento, or foreshadowing of Christ that they become more significant or important spiritually or that they are simultaneously Christ’s body and blood but also ordinary bread and wine. Other Catholics have wavered and their faith has eroded because of personal uncertainty, or because they have been swayed by the secular press, the teachings of misguided theologians or the objections of non-Catholic Christians. Recent public opinion polls have reported an alarmingly high percentage of those who claim to be Catholic who do not believe in the Real Presence. The words of Jesus are clear and unambiguous, yet the doctrine of the Real Presence is questioned and doubted by some, and challenged, ridiculed or rejected by others. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, for since He is truth, He cannot lie.” We take Jesus at His word because He is truth (Jn 14:6), He came into the world to testify to the truth (Jn 18:37), and the words that He spoke are spirit and life (Jn 6:63). There is no scientific evidence, definite proof or factual explanation. We accept and believe what Jesus said as a matter of faith. When Jesus said, “This is my body,” He declared that the bread actually is His Body, and that He is really present.
Jesus took the bread and said, “This is my body” (Mt 26:26), and He took the cup filled with wine and said, “This is my blood” (Mt 26:28). The doctrine is based upon the words of Jesus Himself when He instituted the Eucharist. With the words of consecration, the whole of Christ is truly present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – under the appearances of bread and wine. The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a doctrine – an official teaching of the Catholic Church – and a profound mystery.