The Threefold Manifestation of the Eucharist: Sacrifice, Communion, and Presence
The Eucharist, an ineffable sacrament and the cornerstone of Catholic faith, beautifully demonstrates three sacramental aspects – Sacrifice, Communion, and Presence. This article seeks to delve deep into this profound mystery, drawing insights from the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly those written by Pope John Paul II and Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
Understanding the Sacraments
Before delving into the triple sacrament of the Eucharist, it’s crucial to comprehend what a sacrament is. A sacrament, in its broadest sense, is a sensibly perceptible object or ritual, instituted by Christ, that communicates grace. It is infallibly conferred upon those who utilize or receive the visible object or ritual in faith. The measure of grace they receive hinges on their dispositions of the soul.
A Sacrifice-Sacrament
The Eucharist, as a sacrifice sacrament, is an intriguing concept. The sacrifice aspect of the Eucharist pertains to the Mass, where Christ continues to offer himself in an unbloody manner to his heavenly Father, mirroring his sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of the world.
As a sacrament, the Mass is a source of grace. It signifies the special grace of divine mercy on sinners, conferring actual graces that instigate repentance and reconciliation with God.
Even though the Mass benefits all people, those who are most repentant, penitential, and eager to rectify their wrongdoings benefit the most from the sacramental graces of divine mercy produced by the Mass. In other words, those most predisposed to receive grace.
A Communion-Sacrament
The Eucharist as a communion sacrament is a well-recognized aspect of the Eucharist. In this form, a person in God’s friendship who receives the Eucharist with the minimum good intentions receives divine grace. This includes an increase of sanctifying grace, actual graces, and the special sacramental grace of a greater love of God and others from every Holy Communion worthily received.
The Eucharist as a communion sacrament is a principal source of strength needed to live in Christ-like charity. It is especially crucial for religious communities and Christian spouses, enabling them to remain faithful and loving towards each other.
A Presence-Sacrament
The Eucharist as a presence sacrament is another profound aspect of the Eucharist. This denotes that the Eucharist confers grace not only through the Mass and Holy Communion but also through the fact that Christ is physically present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Christ’s physical presence in the Eucharist is a sacrament because it emanates divine power on everyone. The grace of intimacy and experiencing His nearness is conferred upon everyone who believes in the Real Presence. However, the blessings are poured out in abundance on those who respond to this Eucharistic presence with faith and external signs of piety.
The Eucharist – A Deep Dive into the Mystery
Now that we understand the trifold sacrament of the Eucharist, we can delve deeper into this mystery. Despite the Eucharist’s complexity, the Catholic Church has always upheld the teaching that this sacrament is the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine.
This presence is called ‘real’ because it is a substantial presence where Christ, God, and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present. The Eucharist is, thus, a sacrifice because it re-presents the sacrifice of the cross, making it a memorial and applying its fruit.
The Eucharistic Sacrifice and the Pledge of the Glory
As a sacrifice, the Eucharist marks the perpetual offering of Christ’s body and blood given up for us. As a sacrament, it is a source of divine mercy on sinners, granting actual graces that urge repentance and reconciliation with God.
Through the Mass, venial sins are forgiven, and the grace of expiation for the punishment due to forgiven sins is attained.
The Eucharist serves as a pledge of the glory to come. Every time this mystery is celebrated, “the work of our redemption is carried on”, offering us the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ. With each worthy reception of Jesus in Holy Communion our sanctifying grace is increased and with it, our nearness to God for all eternity.
In Conclusion
The Eucharist, in its triple manifestation as a Sacrifice, Communion, and Presence, presents a profound mystery that continues to guide and inspire the Catholic faith. It is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, binding all her members with Christ’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and pouring out the graces of salvation on His Body, the Church. Understanding and appreciating this trifold sacrament is crucial to deepening our faith and drawing closer to Christ.
