Skinner's Pub

Last night I went to Skinner's pub for a nice Newcastle after the Newman Bash. It was a wonderful night under the stars with a group of wonderful individuals, some in which I had just met for the first time. An interesting conversation arose, like usual, it pertained to a question of faith...Is the Eucharist truly the Body and Blood of Christ?"

A young man, age 20, with a very nice smile, a green army cap, and a shiny ring in his lip, sat down and introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Phil." What a great guy! He had a very witty and fun personality and I was pleased to enjoy his company. Very humble too...he claims it doesn't matter what his major is, he can get any job based on his good looks and charm; I wish him the very best! ;) On a more serious note...

Conversation took a toll for the better when we started discussing his faith life. Phil was baptized Catholic but like many cradle Catholics, he didn't understand the beautiful teachings of his faith, thus, it was easy for him to turn away from the faith he once had. There were many questions to be answered...I think the one that he wished to understand most was the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This is one of the greatest mysteries of our faith! But although it is a mystery, through faith and reason, it can somewhat be grasped thanks to the Incarnation of Our Savior who revealed this mystery to us.

The question arose, "Jesus used parables all the time in the bible; why do Catholics think the Eucharist is truly His body and blood?" Phil was correct, Jesus does speak in parables often, His disciples even ask Him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?' and Jesus replies, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted." (Mt. 13:10-11) He explains the parables to His followers so that they understand His truths more clearly. But, Jesus Christ does not always use parables especially the night before His death when He is about to fulfill the new covenant.

At the Last Supper, the most important night of His life on earth...the night before He died, Jesus took bread gave thanks and said, "take and eat; this is my body" (Mt. 26:26). "Then He took a cup, gave thanks, gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins" (Mt. 26:27-28). Jesus did not say, "this is like my body" He says, "this IS my body." He is not speaking in parables for this is the most important moment of His life; He is speaking of the final covenant, the covenant of salvation! "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. (Jn. 6:51). After Jesus had made such an unbelievable statement, the Jews quarreled among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" and Jesus said to them, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink" (Jn. 6:53-55). This was difficult for the Jews to believe and so they murmured amongst themselves.

If this was the pinnacle point and final teaching in the life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, why did He not explain more clearly? Answer, He could not have been more clear. Many of His disciples left Him after they heard His words, Jesus said to them, "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." (Jn. 6:63-64). In the Gospel of John Chapter 6 verse 66, it speaks of how Jesus was betrayed by His followers because of their lack of faith/trust in Him, it says, "As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him" (Jn.6:66). Something that should grab your attention is that Jesus Christ doesn't stop these men from leaving, He doesn't say..."don't go, I was only kidding, or don't go, I was speaking in parables." The night before He dies and Jesus doesn't rephrase this teaching; He simply says to the twelve disciples, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered Him, 'Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. we have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God" (Jn. 67-69).

Are we convinced? We can believe that Jesus Christ walked on water, that He raised Lazareth from the dead, cured the demoniac and paralytic, and did a countless amount of other miracles such as RISING from the dead, but when it comes down to His final teaching, the new covenant being fulfilled...many did not believe.

There was a statistic done recently that showed....56% of Catholics do not believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Let us pray for an increase of faith! Ask God to reveal His Truths to your heart. He answered my prayer...He will answer yours.

For a better understanding of the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist there is an EXCELLENT book by Scott Hahn:

 "The Lambs Supper"

Scott Hahn has an amazing conversion story which you can read in His book entitled, "Rome Sweet Home"

I recommend this book to anyone questioning the Catholic faith or who would like a better understanding of it!