A recent Pew Research study shocked the Church: Only 30% of U.S. Catholics believe in the Real Presence. The rest think it's a symbol.
If it's just a symbol, then the Mass is a nice play. If it's real, then the Mass is the most important event in the universe.
So, what does the Church teach?
It Is NOT a Symbol
The Council of Trent defined it clearly:
"In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist is contained truly, really, and substantially the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The bread stops being bread. The wine stops being wine. They look and taste like bread and wine (the "accidents"), but their substance (what they ARE) becomes Jesus. This change is called Transubstantiation.
The Biblical Evidence (John 6)
Jesus wasn't speaking metaphorically. In John 6, He said: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." The Jews were disgusted. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Did Jesus say, "Wait, guys, it's just a symbol!"? No. He doubled down. "My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." Many disciples left Him that day because of this teaching. He let them walk. He wouldn't compromise on the Real Presence.
The Early Church
St. Ignatius of Antioch (student of the Apostle John) wrote in 110 AD:
"They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ."
The first Christians were accused of cannibalism by the Romans because they insisted they were eating the Body of Christ. They died for this belief.
So What?
If it is truly Him, then:
- We must kneel.
- We must be free from mortal sin before receiving.
- We must visit Him in Adoration.
He is waiting for you in the tabernacle. Not a symbol of Him. HIM. Find Adoration times near you on the MyPrayerTower app.