EMHC FORMATION THE HOLY EUCHARIST

THE REAL PRESENCE IN THE EUCHARIST The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. In the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ and therefore the whole Christ is truly, really, substantially contained. It is called “Real Presence” because the presence is in the “fullest sense.”

Christ is present in the Eucharist in His very substance, in the body and blood, soul and divinity that he had on earth “after the Resurrection”.

SIGNS OF REVERENCE BEFORE RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION On going up to receive Holy Communion some people bow their heads, a few genuflect, and most do nothing special before receiving Our Lord. Are we supposed to do something special before receiving Holy Communion? What does the church teach about this?

The Church teaches that it seems appropriate to make some sign of reverence before actually receiving Holy Communion. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says: When approaching to receive Holy Communion, the faithful bow in reverence of the Mystery that they are to receive. (GIRM 160)

While standing is the recommended gesture, the faithful have the right to receive Communion kneeling if they so desire (cf. Instr. Redemptionis sacramentum, n.91). In this case, the act of kneeling is itself a sign of reverence.

Others may wish to genuflect as a sign of reverence, and then receive Communion standing. What is important, in any case, is that we show some sign of reverence to our Lord in Holy Communion.

THE FRUITS OF THE MASS The GENERAL FRUIT which benefits all the faithful, living and dead. A SPECIAL FRUIT received by the faithful who assist the Mass. The PERSONAL FRUIT received by the priest offering the sacrifice. The MINISTERIAL FRUIT which benefits those for whom the Mass is offered.

ANG PANINIWALA NG MGA PROTESTANTE Ang mga protestante ay hindi naniniwala na ang presensya ni Kristo ay nasa Konsagradong Ostiya. Ang kanilang paniniwala, ang Ostiya ay SIMBOLO lamang ng Katawan ni Kristo. Ano ang paliwanag dito ng simbahang Katoliko?

PALIWANAG NG SIMBAHANG KATOLIKO Hanggang nang Taong 1500, lahat ay naniniwala sa tunay na presensya o pagtigil ni Hesus sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Pati na si Martin Luther na noon ay kasapi pa nang Simabahang Katoliko. Ngunit sa pagsapit ng ika-1600 nagbago ng pasya ang mga protestante at sinabi nilang ang Ostia at Alak ay sagisag na lamang (symbols) ni Kristo.

Sinasabi na nila na si Kristo ay hindi tunay na naroroon sa tinapay at alak sa kanyang katawan at kaluluwa, kabanalan at pagka-Diyos. Ngunit si Martin Luther sa kanyang sarili ay hindi niya maitanggi ang paglagi ni Hesus sa Eukaristiya. Ang sabi niya: “Hindi ako makaligtas sa katotohanang ito.”