“I still see a host and a little bit of wine…”, is the thought that comes to us many times when we see ourselves before the consecration of the gifts by the priest. In order to understand why us as Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is really present in the consecrated host and wine we must go to Jesus’ own words at the institution of the Mass, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: «Take and eat; this is my body». Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: «Drink from it, all of you, this is my blood…» (Matthew 26:26-28), Jesus did not say, “…this symbolizes my body…”, but “…this is my body…”, and then told us to repeat this formula in his memory (Luke 22:19).
Now, why is it important to recognize the real presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated host? Because it is the means by which we will have eternal life! Only by eating his flesh and drinking his blood, through the consecrated bread and wine, can we attain the grace of eternal life (John 6:22-59).
That is why it is very important not only to attend Holy Mass but also to participate in the supper that our Lord has prepared for us. Who of you goes to a birthday party and leaves without having a piece of cake? Our Lord has prepared a banquet where the main dish He offers us is eternal life through His body. If we think that we are not ready to receive communion, let us remember that at the beginning of mass, during the penitential act, we all confess ourselves sinners and the priest gives us the absolution of those venial sins that we have committed (GIRM 51) by pronouncing the words: “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.”
Let us strip off the rags that are our sins (Matthew 22.1-14), let us get ready and share with Christ the great banquet that He offers us in the Holy Communion