Exodus 24:3-8, Psalm 116, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-26

Protestants disagree with Catholics that Holy Communion once consecrated by an ordained priest is the REAL substantial flesh and blood of Christ under the guise of bread and wine.

My stance is always the same. If there is a disagreement on a theological matter, let’s look at Scripture and what the early Christians had to say about it (internal and external evidence). That way, we can logically deduce true orthodox teaching.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

So, Scripture first. All four Gospels emphasize that the Lord’s Supper took place at Passover. This is critical. Since all Christians believe that Jesus Christ instituted a NEW Passover, it is thus pertinent to know what the Old Passover is, so we can juxtapose it with the New.

The Old Passover in short, was to commemorate the liberation from Egypt. There were two elements involved: Blood and Sacrifice. Details? Sacrifice an unblemished male lamb, drain its blood, EAT the lamb (Ex 12). Already, we can see a powerful prefigurement of the Catholic Eucharist.

What does Jesus teach? EAT my flesh, THREE times (John 6:51-58). At the Last Supper:

“Take this bread and wine, which IS my body and blood.” (Paul echoes this in 1 Cor 11:24-25.)

Now, external evidence of the Church Fathers:

“I desire the Bread of God, WHICH IS THE FLESH OF JESUS CHRIST..and for drink I DESIRE HIS BLOOD, which is love incorruptible.” (St. Ignatius of Antioch, 110 A.D). This man was a Disciple of John — I would trust him.

“We also eat the bread presented to us; and this bread becomes by prayer a SACRED BODY.” (Origen, A.D. 185-254).

The list of writings goes on and not ONE Church father denied the real presence of Christ.

With that, allow me to ask — where in the Bible does it say that Holy Communion is just a SYMBOL since both Scripture and Tradition perfectly supports the Catholic Interpretation?

For me, the Word of Jesus is enough and my belief is shared with all the Holy Saints for the past 2000 years. What about you?

___

Originally posted on Instagram.

Noel Ethan Tan

Noel Ethan Tan

Noel is a Singaporean working as a rehabilitation counsellor at ACC(S) Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre. He is currently doing a part-time Masters Program in Counselling and Guidance at NTU, Singapore. In his church ministry, Noel is currently serving in a young adults' Catholic community called Anawim that does Bible Exegesis. Noel is also pursuing a Certificate in Theology at the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore. His favorite Bible verse is 1 Peter 3:15 — “In your hearts, reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and reverence.”

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1 thought on “Corpus Christi”

  1. I would suggest you expand 1 Cor. 24-25 to be 1 Cor 23-29, and then ask the questions: 1. Is there any evidence that Paul was referring to two different ‘Bodies” in verses 24 and 29?
    2. Did Jesus have the power to change the bread and wine into His Body and Blood?
    3. what scriptural evidence do you have to show that St. Paul did not believe that the “body” in verse 29 was the Body of Christ and we should perceive it as the Body of Christ?

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