Catholics believe that the Mass is a meal at which conversation with God occurs. It is a meal at which the living person of Jesus Christ becomes present and is consumed, flesh and blood, under the apparent forms of the bread and wine, which are blessed and shared. The real presence of the living Jesus is an essential aspect of the Eucharistic liturgy. This resource revisits the theological and philosophical development of the Church’s Eucharistic theology as it developed from apostolic times to our present understanding of the Eucharist as the sum and summary of our faith. “Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist, in turn, confirms our way of thinking” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1327).

Analysis of the sources of Catholic belief about the Eucharist pervades this booklet. It considers the Eucharistic liturgy from the perspective of faith, religious teaching, the scriptural and historical record, and theological reasoning. Reflection will deepen the insights of readers. A key discussion question found in the text is as follows: What would be the best way to explain to a member of a Christian tradition which does not believe in the real presence what the Catholic Church believes?