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Articles of Faith | The Eucharist: In the Words of the Church Fathers

Today we explore some of the early Church Fathers sayings about the Eucharist.  Many of our mainline Protestant brothers and sisters, who know their history, will agree who these early Church Fathers were. Catholic brothers and sisters, though not a Holy Day of Obligation, Holy Thursday has rich and historical significance for each of us:  for before departing the Upper Room to begin his Passion, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist, giving thanks to his Father, and commanding his Apostles to love one another, as He has loved them (cf Jn 13:34); and he commanded them, "Do this in memory of me" (Mk 14:22-24; Lk 22:19-20; 1 Cor 10:16; Jn 6:53-57, 1 Cor 11:23-30). For more on this great Mystery of Faith, from the Church Fathers in their own words, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Articles of Faith | Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)

Today is Holy Thursday, known as Maundy Thursday, from the Latin "mandatum" meaning commandment. We give special attention on this day for the word Jesus gives the Apostles at the Last Supper in the Gospel acclamation, "I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13:34). On this day the Lenten season ends and the Paschal Triduum begins. For more about this day please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Articles of Faith | The Scandal of the Eucharist

The Catholic belief in The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a hard saying, no doubt.  Yet, it's no harder a saying as was said by Jesus himself as he begins his colloquy with his disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum (see Jn 6:30). This teaching, the Catholic Church defends as the definitive and apostolic origins of the Eucharist, points to the Eucharist (from the Greek for "thanksgiving") as the "source and summit of the Christian life". For a beautiful summation of the scandal of such a saying - and the recognition of how hard it is to believe - enjoy this brief writing from Fr. Richard Veras of Saint Joseph's Seminary; and for a Catholic answer addressing common Evangelical Fundamentalist challenges to the Catholic understanding of the Real Presence, please also see more of this post by clicking on the image. Peace be with you!

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Articles of Faith | Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Today, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi, is celebrated in honor of the institution of the Holy Eucharist. While this feast is recognized on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, in some U.S. dioceses it is transferred to the following Sunday. The day recognizes the great Catholic proclamation of faith of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. For more about this day, please click on the image. Peace be with you!