The Eucharist, as explained by the Roman Catechism, is a sacrament of paramount importance in the Catholic Church, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. It is not merely a symbolic act but a true re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, where the bread and wine, through the priest’s consecration, are transubstantiated into the very Body and Blood of Christ. This sacred rite is a profound manifestation of divine grace, allowing the faithful to partake in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on John 6:53, “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,” in light of the teachings of the Roman Catechism, one is invited to ponder the profound necessity of unity with the Catholic Church for salvation, as articulated within the context of Catholic doctrine.
The Roman Catechism emphasizes the Catholic Church’s understanding of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and its significance for salvation. This catechism, reflecting the Council’s decrees, underscores the belief that the sacraments of the Church, most especially the Eucharist, are means of grace instituted by Christ for the salvation of souls.
In this context, the phrase from John 6:53 takes on a particular depth, highlighting the Eucharist’s role not only as a sacrament of intimate union with Christ but also as a sign of communion with the Catholic Church. According to Catholic teaching, the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” a sacrament that both signifies and brings about the unity of the faithful with Christ and with each other in the Church.
Drawing from the Roman Catechism, one might reflect on the teaching that outside of this communion with the Church, as expressed and realized in part through participation in the Eucharist, the fullness of the means of salvation is not available. The Catechism of the Council of Trent states, “The most Holy Eucharist contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself, our Passover and living bread.” This reflects the understanding that the Eucharist is central to the life of the Church and to individual salvation.