Paul and the Eucharist

St. Paul’s discussion of the Eucharist in his first letter to the Corinthians is highly significant for Christians because it confirms the importance of the Eucharist for the life of each Christian and it deepens our understanding of this great mystery, especially as a memorial celebration.

The Eucharist is the Lord’s greatest gift to His Church because it is the gift of Himself: “This is my body.” It is the most important way in which the Lord fulfills His promise to remain present to His flock until the end of time. Consequently, it is the source and summit of our Christian lives.

Our understanding of the Eucharist begins with the institution narratives in Matthew, Mark and Luke. That understanding is deepened by the ancient signs in the Old Testament that prefigure the Eucharist, such as the sacrifice of Isaac, the paschal lamb, and the manna in the desert. Our understanding is further deepened in the New Testament by the bread-of-life discourse in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel and in Paul’s writings in his first letter to the Corinthians.

St. Paul’s testimony is particularly important because he is an additional source for our teaching on the Eucharist as he states clearly that his knowledge and understanding of the Eucharist came directly “from the Lord.” He did not rely upon a presence at the Last Supper like Matthew and John because he was not there. He converted after Jesus’ ascension. Nor was Paul a disciple of Peter or any of the Gospel writers. Plus, it is generally held by the Scripture scholars that Paul wrote this letter before the Gospel writers penned their inspired works. Still, his description of the institution of the Eucharist on the night Jesus was handed over correlates beautifully with the accounts in the Gospels.

"John 6:54 Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you."

That's a hard saying, who can hear it?

By the grace of God I can! ;0)

That's a hard saying, who can hear it? By the grace of God I can! ;0)

On the eve of the Feast of Corpus Christi, it is humbling to reflect on the Mercy of God in giving to us this great gift of His Body and Blood. Besides the gift of the Holy Spirit, God condescends to be with us in the form of Bread and Wine. As 2000 years ago, He does not come as a God of thunder and wrath, but rather in unfathomable humility and love so that we may have recourse to Him as a God in our hand and our heart.

It is also humbling to remember that, to those who have been given much, much shall be required. There our many of our brothers in Christ who live by His Word alone and do so more faithfully than many who are blessed with the fullness of His Truth and Grace.

Let us approach this Holy Gift with trust in Jesus and love in our hearts remembering the the question of the Risen Christ (John 21):
15 When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. 17 He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he had said to him the third time: Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep.

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