Blaise Pascal, a French physicist, mathematician, and philosopher commented, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every [person] which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.” For Catholics, there is no more perfect way to fill the vacuum in our soul than receiving Holy Communion and spending time in Eucharistic adoration. But going to Holy Communion and spending time in adoration only makes sense if we truly believe we are receiving or adoring the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. Still, many who profess they are Catholic either do not believe in the Real Presence or they have allowed their faith to waver. Over recent months, we have shared three separate videos of notable scholars speaking from their theological expertise about the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This contribution is different in that it is a reflection written by a lay person without similar credentials — a person who believes to his core that the Holy Eucharist is, in fact, the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. His reflection blends scripture passages, stories from the lives of the saints, excerpts from credible scholars, and his own personal life experiences to unapologetically explain why he believes that Transubstantiation is true and why it is so important to accept that truth. The author shares his thoughts and feelings with the hope they will encourage others who already believe, but entice those who do not or are not sure, they believe that they would benefit from more deep reflection on this tenet of our faith.

Read MORE: Jeff Armbruster’s Reflection on The Bread of Mercy

Why Does Jesus Come to us in the form of Bread and Wine?

During this remarkable year of the National Eucharistic Revival, we have been sharing important insights into the Church’s teachings about Transubstantiation – the truth that at the Consecration of the Mass, the ordinary bread and wine we can see and taste is miraculously transformed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. The first two such insights were videos (one by Bishop Robert Barron and the second by Father Mike Schmitz). Both were a bit lengthy, but, oh-so rich in content.

Recently, in the Gospel for the Feast of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), we are told Saint Peter began to see that Jesus was no ordinary teacher. He began to see that Jesus was the Lord…and what he saw filled his heart with joy. So, Peter said, “Lord, it is good that we are here” (17:4). By extension, in the Holy Eucharist, it is good for each of us to be with the Lord! It is what we were created for. Whether we realize it or not, our hearts yearn for God and an awareness of His presence. He is our greatest good and He longs to reveal His goodness to us even more than we long to know Him. That is why He took on flesh and became a man. That is why He poured out His Holy Spirit. And that is why He is truly and fully present in the Eucharist at every Mass. Jesus wants to give you a glimpse of His glory.

The video (link below) is relatively short, less than 8 minutes, but it reveals truths and insights that will likely surprise even those of you who are believers in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Take a few minutes, quiet your heart, and listen. For those who are nonbelievers or who may be skeptics, you might find these few minutes eternally useful.

Volumes have been written and much recorded via other media, about the Holy Eucharist being the source and summit of our Catholic faith, yet many overlook or deny the truth about the Eucharist as taught by Jesus, Himself.  Many others, while they maintain belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, would be well served by some gentle and beautiful reminders, of just how important the Eucharist is in our eternal lives. The below video is one such reminder for them, and maybe a catalyst for those who may have allowed their belief to drift from the Gospel truth about the Eucharist being the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. Father Mike Schmitt is a gifted and dynamic speaker. The entire video of his presentation at Notre Dame 3 years ago is about an hour and ten minutes (and is remarkable), but if you are unable to set aside that much time, please consider advancing to 32 minutes and 10 seconds into the video and watch the final 39 minutes or so. Father Mike’s presentation is transformational. Enjoy!

Enjoy the YouTube video (view below) of Bishop Robert Barron’s presentation to the 2020 Religious Education Congress. Please be aware the presentation is about 75 minutes long but truly worth setting aside the time to watch. All the early Church Fathers believed in and taught the Real Presence. The Church’s teachings haven’t changed for millennia, but the beliefs of many of our fellow Catholics have. Hopefully, this information will enrich you and your family.