Episode 2311: The Mystery of the Holy Eucharist with Sharon

Walt: Welcome to Catholic Reboot Sharon and this episode is dedicated to exploring the rich theological and spiritual heritage of one of the most profound mysteries of our faith, the Eucharist.
But before we get started let me lead us off with a prayer.
O Jesus, present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar,
We adore You with profound reverence and love.
We believe that You are truly present here,
Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
O Sacrament most holy,
O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be every moment Thine.
As a traditional Catholic if I had to pick the most profound matter of our faith it would have to be the Holy Eucharist. In short, it’s the hill I die on.
Sharon: For sure Walt! This is one the greatest matters for me as a convert. I SO wanted to receive the Holy Eucharist and why as a Baptist I knew in my soul I must have that and would do all I could to receive the real body and blood of Christ and not just a symbol of it. I wanted the persona Christi (The Priest) to administer that sacrament to me. But why?
Because for centuries, the Eucharist has been the source and summit of Catholic life. I knew this even when I wasn’t in the Church and I would look at my Catholic friends and ask them to take me to mass. I had to be part of that but to my amazement it really wasn’t a central part of their faith. What a shame.
So we will explore the doctrine of transubstantiation, that doctrine that changes everything. We will draw on the wisdom of pre-Vatican II saints and theologians who have illuminated this sacred mystery. From St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John Chrysostom and St Peter Eymard, their insights will guide us in understanding the depth and beauty of the Eucharist.
Walt do you mind leading us off with that doctrine?
The Doctrine of Transubstantiation
Walt: The Eucharist is not merely a symbol as you so perfectly stated; it is the real presence of Christ. This belief is encapsulated in the doctrine of transubstantiation. St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, provided one of the most thorough expositions of this doctrine in his magnum opus, the Summa Theologica.
(St. Thomas Aquinas): “The change which takes place in the consecration of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is properly called transubstantiation. This is because the substance of the bread is converted into the substance of Christ’s body, and the substance of the wine into the substance of His blood.”
Aquinas used Aristotelian philosophy to explain how the accidents of bread and wine remain while their substance changes. This intricate philosophical framework has been foundational for Catholic theology.
Aquinas also emphasized the mystery and miracle of transubstantiation, teaching that the Eucharist transcends human understanding and requires faith. He wrote, "In this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and His true Blood, which are something that cannot be apprehended by the senses but only by faith, which relies on divine authority."
But Sharon we also have scriptural foundation and as always when it comes to scripture I hand it over to you.
Scriptural Foundations
Sharon: As you should. Just kidding, Your scripture knowledge isn’t too bad but let me see if I can deliver. The roots of the Eucharistic doctrine are deeply embedded in Scripture. St. John Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed preacher, eloquently expounded on the words of Christ at the Last Supper.
(St. John Chrysostom): “He that sits above with the Father at that hour is held in our hands and gives Himself to those who wish to embrace and grasp Him. Do you see how highly Jesus honors the Sacrament?”
St. John Chrysostom’s homilies remind us that the Eucharist is not merely a commemorative act but a living participation in the sacrifice of Christ.
Additionally, the Gospel of John provides profound Eucharistic theology. In John 6:51, Jesus declares, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." This scriptural basis, deeply expounded by the Church Fathers, underscores the reality of Christ's presence in the Eucharist. That is why Eucharistic Devotion is so very important.
Walt you are big on daily Eucharistic adoration can you add to that?
Walt: I am. I cannot go a day without being in front of the Eucharist. But do you know what is interesting? Every time I get on my knees in front of the eucharist I say the words found in Luke 18:13 "Jesus, be merciful to me, a sinner." And Luke 7:6-7. When the centurion says:
"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed."
I truly never feel worthy of Christ but know I must see him every day. Because devotion to the Eucharist has been a hallmark of Catholic spirituality. St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists, was known for his profound love of the Blessed Sacrament.
(St. Alphonsus Liguori): “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God, and the one most helpful to us.”
For St. Alphonsus, Eucharistic adoration was not only an act of love but also a source of grace and strength for the faithful.
Sharon: Walt did you ever hear about St Peter Julian Eymard? He was known as “the Apostle of the Eucharist”, and he emphasized the transformative power of Eucharistic devotion. He wrote, "The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but Heaven itself."
Do you know who wrote the prayer:
"O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine."
Yep it was St Peter Eymard!
His prayers often reflected his deep love for the Eucharist and his desire to lead others to a similar devotion.
The Centrality of the Eucharist
Eymard saw the Eucharist as the ultimate expression of Christ's love, where He gives Himself completely to His people.
He encouraged the faithful to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament:
"Go to your adoration as one would go to Heaven, to the divine banquet. You will then long for that hour and hail it with joy."
Eymard believed that adoration was a way to encounter Jesus directly, to receive His grace, and to deepen one's faith and love.
Eymard taught that the Eucharist has the power to transform individuals and, through them, the world:
"The Eucharist is the life of the people. It gives them strength and the courage to bear the crosses and trials of life."
He saw the Eucharist as a source of spiritual strength and renewal, empowering believers to live out their faith in daily life.
Eymard also highlighted the Eucharist as a source of unity within the Church:
"The Eucharist is the bond of charity. It unites us all to Christ, and in Him, we are united to one another."
By participating in the Eucharist, believers are brought closer to Christ and to each other, forming one body in Him.
Eymard felt a strong call to spread devotion to the Eucharist and to encourage others to recognize its importance:
"We must bring the Eucharist to the world so that the world can bring the Eucharist into their lives."
He saw this mission as a vital part of his work and encouraged others to join in spreading the love and knowledge of the Eucharist.
St. Peter Julian Eymard frequently meditated on the mystery of Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist:
"The Eucharist is everything, because from the Eucharist, everything is."
He believed that understanding and believing in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist was foundational to a vibrant Catholic faith.
Eymard strongly advocated for frequent reception of Holy Communion, seeing it as essential for spiritual growth and perseverance:
"When we work hard, we must eat well. The Eucharist is our nourishment, our strength."
He encouraged the faithful to receive Communion often, to stay close to Jesus, and to receive His grace and strength for their daily lives.
St. Peter Julian Eymard's writings and teachings on the Eucharist remain a rich resource for deepening one's understanding and love for this central mystery of the Catholic faith. His emphasis on the transformative power, unity, and profound presence of Christ in the Eucharist continues to inspire and guide the faithful today.

Walt can you discuss the “Eucharist and Ecclesiology”?
Walt: Yepper! The Eucharist also has profound implications for our understanding of the Church. St. Augustine of Hippo saw the Eucharist as a symbol of the Church’s unity.
(St. Augustine): “O sacrament of devotion! O sign of unity! O bond of charity! He who desires life finds here its source and sustenance.”
For St. Augustine, the Eucharist was not just an individual experience but a communal act that united the faithful as one body in Christ.
Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical Mystici Corporis Christi, elaborated on this theme, emphasizing that the Eucharist is the source of the Church's unity. He wrote, "For not only is He our Head individually, but He is the Head of the entire Body of the Faithful, which is the Church."
Conclusion
Sharon: As we reflect on the teachings of these great saints and theologians, we are reminded of the central place the Eucharist holds in our faith. It is the real presence of Christ, a mystery of love, and a source of unity for the Church.
Let us approach the Blessed Sacrament with renewed reverence and devotion, drawing strength and grace from this profound mystery.
Walt: Thank you for joining us and may the Eucharist continue to be the heart of our spiritual lives, nourishing us and drawing us closer to our Lord. Until next time, may God bless you. Now go out and convert somebody to the power of the Holy Eucharist!
Sharon can you take us out with a prayer?
Sharon: Sure but being a former Baptist my prayers a little longer than yours.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Eucharist,
The Sacrament of Your Love,
Where You give Yourself to us as our nourishment and strength.
Grant us the grace to approach Your holy presence
With a heart full of faith, hope, and love.
O Sacred Host, source of all grace,
We come before You in humility,
Aware of our unworthiness and sins.
Yet, with trust in Your infinite mercy,
We ask for Your pardon and healing.
Lord Jesus, in this Sacrament of Your love,
You invite us to remain with You,
To rest in Your presence,
And to be transformed by Your grace.
Help us to spend this time of adoration
In true devotion and contemplation.
May our hearts be united with Yours,
In a bond of love and fidelity.
May we listen to Your voice speaking in the silence,
Guiding us, consoling us, and drawing us closer to You.
O Divine Eucharist, we adore You,
We bless You, and we glorify You.
May our adoration bring You comfort and reparation
For all the indifference and offenses committed against You.
Jesus, our Eucharistic King,
We offer You our hearts,
Our lives, and all that we are.
Make us faithful witnesses of Your love,
Radiating Your presence to all we meet.

O Mary, Mother of the Eucharist,
Guide us and intercede for us,
That we may adore your Son with the love and devotion
That you had for Him.
Holy Angels and Saints,
Adore Him with us,
And pray for us that we may grow in holiness
Through our time spent in adoration.
Lord Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament,
We love You, we adore You,
And we offer You our deepest thanksgiving.
May Your Eucharistic presence
Be the light and joy of our souls,
Now and forever.
Amen.