Sacraments 201: Eucharist (what we believe)

Summary

The script delves into the Catholic belief of transubstantiation during Mass, where bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. It clarifies misconceptions about reenacting the Last Supper and explains the necessity of unleavened bread and wine for the Eucharist. It addresses concerns about receiving Communion with dietary restrictions or after committing sins, emphasizing the sacrament's role in reconciling with God and the community. The script also discusses why non-Catholics typically don't partake in Communion, highlighting the importance of being in communion with the Church for participation.

Takeaways

• 🍞 The process of the bread and wine becoming the body and blood of Christ is called transubstantiation, which is a change at the most fundamental level, not just a change in appearance.
• 🙏 During Mass, Catholics believe that the substance of the bread and wine is changed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ through God's response to prayers.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The Eucharist is more than a reenactment of the Last Supper; it is a real encounter with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where Christ gives us his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
• 📸 The Mass is a way to make past events present and real, similar to how a photograph can transport you back to a specific moment in time.
• ✝️ The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is a one-time event, but the Eucharist allows us to re-experience this sacrifice and be more aware of the sacrifices we are called to make.
• 🌾 For the Eucharist to be valid, the Church teaches that only unleavened bread made from wheat and wine made from grapes can be used, with no substitutions allowed.
• 🍞🥂 If you have dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, the Church offers options like low-gluten hosts or receiving from the cup only.
• 🙅‍♂️ Non-Catholics are not typically allowed to receive Communion because the Church believes that one must be in full communion with the Church to partake in the sacrament.
• 💔 If you have committed a mortal sin, you should seek reconciliation through the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving Communion.
• 🙏‍♀️ Venial sins do not prevent one from receiving Communion, as they are absolved by asking God for forgiveness.
• 🔝 The Eucharist is considered the source and summit of the Christian life, with all other sacraments, ministries, and outreach activities being oriented toward it.

Q & A

What is transubstantiation?

Transubstantiation is the theological term for the change in the substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during Mass, while their outward appearances remain the same.

How does the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ?

The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ through the process of transubstantiation, which occurs in response to prayers during Mass.

Is the appearance of the bread and wine changed during transubstantiation?

No, the appearance of the bread and wine does not change during transubstantiation; only their substance is altered at a fundamental level.

What is the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic belief?

The Eucharist is considered the source and summit of the Christian life, representing the real presence of Christ's body and blood, and is essential for Catholic worship.

Is the Mass a reenactment of the Last Supper?

While the Mass includes elements of the Last Supper, it is more than a reenactment; it is a reencounter with Christ on the Cross and a celebration of his sacrifice.

What is the role of the Eucharistic prayers in the Mass?

The Eucharistic prayers are central to the Mass, as they include Jesus's words from the Last Supper and are a means of giving thanks for Christ's sacrifice.

Can the elements used in the Eucharist be substituted with other items?

According to Catholic teaching, only unleavened bread made of wheat and wine made from grapes can be used for the Eucharist, with no substitutions allowed.

What options are available for individuals who are gluten intolerant or cannot consume alcohol?

For gluten intolerance, low-gluten hosts may be offered, and for those who cannot consume alcohol, receiving from the cup only is an option. It is advisable to speak with the priest before Mass.

Why are only Catholics allowed to receive Communion?

The Catholic Church believes that one must be in communion with God, the Church, and others to partake in the Eucharist, which is a sign of unity in faith and worship.

What is the difference between venial and mortal sins in relation to receiving Communion?

Venial sins do not prevent one from receiving Communion, as they are absolved by asking God for forgiveness. Mortal sins, however, require reconciliation through the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving Communion.

How does the act of receiving Communion impact a Catholic's spiritual life?

Receiving Communion reaffirms one's unity with the body of Christ, sharing in His divinity, and is seen as empowering individuals to live and love as Christ did.

Outlines

00:00

🍞 The Mystery of Transubstantiation

This paragraph delves into the concept of transubstantiation, a theological term that describes the change in the substance of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during Mass. It emphasizes that this change is not merely superficial but occurs at a fundamental level, making the bread and wine the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. The analogy of a man becoming a father upon the birth of his child is used to illustrate how something can change substantially without altering its appearance. The paragraph also clarifies misconceptions about Communion being a mere reenactment of the Last Supper, explaining that it is a real encounter with Christ's sacrifice. The Mass is described as a celebration that makes past events present and real, akin to how a photograph can transport one back to a cherished moment.

05:01

🙏 Understanding Sin and Communion

The second paragraph addresses the distinctions between venial and mortal sins in the context of receiving Communion. It explains that while venial sins do not prevent one from partaking in Communion, mortal sins, which are serious and separate one from God and the community, require reconciliation through the sacrament of confession before one can receive. The paragraph also discusses the Church's stance on non-Catholics receiving Communion, emphasizing the importance of being in communion with the Church's faith, life, and worship. It clarifies that the Eucharist is a sign of unity and that sharing in it is reserved for those who are in full communion. The paragraph concludes by reiterating the significance of the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life, containing the whole spiritual good of the Church, which is Christ himself.

Keywords

💡Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation refers to the theological concept that during the Mass, the substance of the bread and wine changes into the body and blood of Christ, while their appearance remains the same. It is a central theme in the video, explaining the miracle that occurs during the Eucharist. The term is used to illustrate the belief that despite the bread and wine looking and tasting the same, their essence has become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

💡Eucharist

The Eucharist is the sacrament that is the focal point of the Catholic Mass, where believers receive the body and blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. The video emphasizes that the Eucharist is not merely a symbolic act but a real encounter with Christ. It is described as the 'source and summit of the Christian life', indicating its supreme importance in Catholic belief.

💡Communion

Communion, also known as the Holy Eucharist, is the act of partaking in the body and blood of Christ during the Mass. The video clarifies that Communion is not a mere reenactment of the Last Supper but a reencounter with Christ on the cross. It is a way to give thanks for Christ's sacrifice and to partake in his body and blood.

💡Sacrifice

Sacrifice in the context of the video refers to the offering made by Christ on the cross and the re-experience of this sacrifice during the Eucharist. The term is used to highlight the ultimate gift of Christ's life for the forgiveness of sins. It is also tied to the concept of personal sacrifice, as believers are called to make sacrifices in their own lives to love one another.

💡Venial and Mortal Sins

Venial sins are minor offenses against God, while mortal sins are serious sins that separate one from God and the community. The video explains that mortal sins require reconciliation through the sacrament of confession before receiving Communion, whereas venial sins do not prevent one from partaking in the Eucharist, as they are absolved by asking for God's forgiveness.

💡Reconciliation

Reconciliation, also known as the sacrament of Penance, is the process through which a person confesses their sins and receives absolution. The video mentions that if one has committed a mortal sin, they must undergo reconciliation to restore their relationship with God and the Church before they can receive Communion.

💡Substance and Appearance

These terms are used in the video to contrast the physical characteristics of the bread and wine with their spiritual significance. While the appearance of the bread and wine remains unchanged, their substance is believed to transform into the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

💡Last Supper

The Last Supper is the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament. The video explains that while the Eucharist includes Jesus's words from the Last Supper, it is more than a simple reenactment; it is a real encounter with the sacrifice of Christ.

💡Gluten Intolerance

The video addresses the concern of individuals with gluten intolerance participating in the Eucharist. It explains that the Church requires the use of wheat bread and wine from grapes, but for those with gluten intolerance, options like low-gluten hosts or receiving from the cup only may be available.

💡Communion with God

Communion with God refers to the state of unity and harmony with the divine. The video states that to receive Communion, one must be in communion with God, the Church, and each other, reflecting the belief that sharing in the Eucharist is a sign of unity in faith and worship.

💡Non-Catholic

The term 'Non-Catholic' is used in the video to discuss the limitations on who can receive Communion. It explains that only those in full communion with the Catholic Church can partake in the Eucharist, reflecting the belief in the necessity of shared faith, life, and worship.

Highlights

Transubstantiation is the theological term for the change of the substance of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

The change is imperceptible, meaning the appearance and taste remain the same, but the essence is transformed.

The bread and wine become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ during Mass.

The analogy of a man becoming a father illustrates the concept of substantial change without altering appearance.

Communion is not just a reenactment of the Last Supper but a reencounter with Christ on the Cross.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, with all other sacraments oriented towards it.

The Mass is a proclamation of the mighty works of God, making past events present and real.

Catholics believe Christ is fully present in both the consecrated bread and wine.

For the Eucharist to be valid, unleavened bread made of wheat and wine made from grapes must be used.

Options like low-gluten hosts or receiving from the cup only may be available for those with dietary restrictions.

Mortal sins separate us from God and the community, requiring reconciliation before receiving Communion.

Venial sins do not prevent one from receiving Communion, as they are absolved by asking God for forgiveness.

Non-Catholics cannot receive Communion because full communion requires unity in faith, life, and worship.

The Church is open to all for prayer and worship, with a desire for greater unity among Christians.

Receiving the Eucharist reaffirms that we are the body of Christ and share in His divinity.

The Eucharist contains the whole spiritual good of the Church, which is Christ Himself.

Transcripts

During Mass, how does the bread and wine  become the body and blood of Christ?

Good, good question. In order to answer,  

we're going to have to pull out  one of those big theological words

that might seem kind of intimidating  at first: transubstantiation.

First, the word literally means "change the  substance," so it's not transformation,

meaning "changing the outward appearance,"

but rather transubstantiation, a change  that happens on an imperceptible level.

Now, what does that have  to do with bread and wine?

We believe that in God's response to our prayers during Mass,

the substance of the bread and wine changes.

So while they might still look and  taste like, well, bread and wine,

at the most fundamental level, at their essence,  

they have become the body, blood,  soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.

Think of it like this: take an ordinary man, just a regular guy,

but when his first child is born, he becomes  a father, not just in name, but in essence.

He still looks like and even has the  same chemical composition he did before,

but he is substantially different from who he  was, and different from a man who is not a father.

And now that he is a father, he will always be a father.

In the same way, even though the appearance and the chemical composition of the bread and wine remain the same,

a substantial and lasting change has taken place.

"For what you see is simply bread and a cup  - this is the information your eyes report,

but your faith demands far subtler insight.

The bread is Christ's body; the cup is Christ's blood."

During Communion, are we reenacting the Last  Supper like I've seen done at other churches?

It might be easy to think of communion  as a reenactment of the Last Supper,  

but it's actually much, much more.

"In the Eucharist, Christ gives us the very  body which he gave up for us on the cross,

the very blood which he poured out  for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Yes, the Eucharistic prayers at Mass do  include Jesus's words from the Last Supper,

and we are all gathered around a table like at a meal,

but the reason we come together is  to give thanks for the ultimate gift 

of Christ sacrificing his life for us on the Cross so that we might have eternal life.

So we're not just remembering or reenacting the Last Supper.

We are reencountering Christ on the Cross.

"The Mass is not merely the recollection of past events, but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for us.

In the liturgical celebration of these events,  they become in a certain way present and real."

It's like whenever I see this one baby picture of my niece, I'm taken right back to the moment

that I held her in my arms for the very first time, looking right at her, smiling big and wide, tears in my eyes.

Every time I look at that picture, I'm right there.

In the same way, every time Catholics celebrate what we call the Sacrifice of the Mass,

what Christ did for us long ago becomes more real for us today.

Hold up, sacrifice?

Doesn't the Bible say that Christ's death on the Cross was supposed to be the final religious sacrifice of all time?

Yes, that's true, it is that once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross

that we re-experience in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

So by our sharing in the real presence of Christ, we become more aware of what the sacrifice of Christ means for us

and more aware of the sacrifices we are  called to make in loving one another.

Can we use something other than bread and wine? What if I'm gluten intolerant or I can't drink alcohol?

The Church teaches that in order for the Eucharist to be valid,  the priest must use unleavened bread made of wheat

and wine made from grapes. No substitutions are permitted.

But if you're gluten intolerant, your parish may offer options like low-gluten hosts or receiving from the cup only.

Just speak with your priest before Mass. And it's also important to remember that

Catholics believe that Christ is fully present in the consecrated bread, as well as in the consecrated wine.

So if both are not offered in your church, or if  you can't have one or the other, by receiving only one,

you are still receiving Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Some Catholics say you shouldn't go up to receive communion if you've committed a sin. Is that true?

If that were the case, no one could ever receive. But seriously, not all sins are the same.

You can't compare a white lie with a murder, and that's why the Church distinguishes between venial sins and mortal sins.

Now, mortal sins are really serious sins, the kind  of sins that separate us from God and one another.  

"Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent."

If you've committed a mortal sin, you have separated yourself from God and the community by your own choosing,

so you'll need to reconcile with God and with us, your brothers and sisters,

through the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving Communion.

But what about those venial sins which all of us  commit all the time?

That's why the Mass begins with our saying "Lord, have mercy."

The Church has always taught that lesser sins are absolved merely by our asking God for forgiveness,

so unless it's a mortal sin, you're okay to receive Communion.

Why can't my non-Catholic friends  receive Communion when I bring them to Mass?

Okay, this question gets asked a lot, and I know people feel put off because not everyone can receive Communion at Mass.

So what's the deal?  Do Catholics think they're superior to others? No.

Are we being rude or unwelcoming? No.

Let's first be clear: Everyone is welcome to join us in our celebration of the Eucharist, but not everyone may partake of the sacrament.

Why not? The Church believes that we have to be in communion in order to receive communion.

In communion with God, with the Church, and with one another.

"Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of our oneness of faith, life, and worship,

members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion."  

So while it's true that Catholics worship the same  God and have the same Savior as other Christians,

we must deal with the sobering fact that there are real divisions among us.

We do not as of yet have a common union in our church structures, in our doctrines, in our theology,

so we cannot rightly share communion together. But this isn't just about who's Catholic and who's not.

It's about who is in communion and who is not.

Remember, even we Catholics who have committed a grave sin and have taken ourselves out of communion

with God and the Church also should not receive communion at Mass.

Don't forget, the doors of our parishes are truly open to all who wish to come on in and pray with us.

And some of our most fervent prayers are for greater unity so that one day we might all share communion together.

When we receive the body and blood of Christ, we reaffirm that we are the body of Christ.

We share in Christ's divinity, and we are empowered by His grace to live and to love as he did.

Now, that's a pretty big deal. As the church says, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

The other sacraments, and indeed all ministry and outreach, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it.

For in the Blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely, Christ himself.