1375. It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament. the Church Fathers strongly affirmed the faith of the Church in the efficacy of the Word of Christ and of the action of the Holy Spirit to bring about this conversion. Thus St. John Chrysostom declares:
It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. the priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered.202
and St. Ambrose says about this conversion:
Be convinced that this is not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. the power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the blessing nature itself is changed…. Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before? It is no less a feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature.203
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
585. With what spirit of communion and mission do we pray to God as “our” Father?
317. Who administers this sacrament?
45. Can the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity be known by the light of human reason alone?
87. In what way is Jesus Christ true God and true man?
224. What are the sacraments and which are they?
128. Why is the Resurrection at the same time a transcendent occurrence?
156. In what way is the Church the body of Christ?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
How can we flee the appearances of evil, as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:22?
How are God’s justice and mercy revealed in Isaiah? (Isaiah 58:1-14)
What is the role of spiritual gifts in building up the church, according to Ephesians 4:7-16?
Understanding God’s Wrath – Habakkuk 1:2-4
What are the story and life lessons drawn from the Ascension of Solomon in 1 Kings 1-2?
