Jesus in the Eucharist

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven … and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." (Jn 6:51) Soon after, at the Last Supper, Jesus gave his apostles this pledge of his love in order to never depart from them. He instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his death and resurrection; and commanded his apostles and their successors to celebrate it until his return. (cf. Lk 22:19)

Jesus Christ himself is truly and substantially Present in the Eucharist. Through the words and consecration of a priest acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) what appears to be unleavened bread is transformed into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, just as it was at the Last Supper. “Jesus took bread … and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body’ …Then he took a cup, and gave it them saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant’ …” (Mt 26:26-29)

Therefore, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is truly present in his divine majesty and humble humanity, gazing at you, desiring to be with you, bless you, and encounter you.

If you are not Catholic and are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, please contact Martha Drennan, Diocesan Director of Adult Faith Formation at (603) 663-0172 or mdrennan@rcbm.org

To learn more about the New Hampshire Eucharistic Pilgrimage, please see catholicnh.org/nhjubilee.