In 1263, during a pilgrimage journey to Rome, a German priest experienced a profound and miraculous event in the town of Bolsena. While celebrating Mass above the tomb of St. Christina, the priest, who was grappling with doubts about the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, witnessed an astonishing occurrence. As he recited the words of Consecration, blood began to seep from the consecrated host, a miraculous sign of the Lord’s presence. Upon witnessing this extraordinary event, the priest sought verification from Pope Urban IV, who initiated an investigation. Just one year later, in August of 1264, Pope Urban IV established the feast of Corpus Christi in response to this miracle, which continues to be celebrated to this day.
It is truly remarkable to acknowledge that every Mass celebrated worldwide and throughout history, contains two miracles. Firstly, the bread and wine undergo a profound transformation into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ—a momentous and sacred occurrence. Secondly, the appearance of this reality is deliberately concealed from our senses, sparing us from witnessing a gory manifestation of blood from our Lord. This withholding of the appearance is evident when contrasted with the many Eucharistic miracles happening throughout the world, such as the one that occurred in 1263.
Despite the unchanging appearance of the host, Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This belief has roots in scriptural foundations with the words from Jesus, himself. One such example is with the Last Supper, during which Jesus says, “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” establishing the foundation for the sacrament of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26-28). One of the most compelling and straightforward reasons why Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is rooted in Jesus’ profound Eucharistic discourse, as recorded in the Gospel of John.
In this discourse, Jesus declares, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Upon hearing this, some of the Jews were troubled and questioned how it was possible for Jesus to give them his flesh to eat.
Yet, Jesus does not shy away from his words or attempt to offer an allegorical interpretation. Instead, he emphasizes the truth of his statement: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day” (John 6:53-54).
Throughout this discourse, Jesus reiterates unequivocally that we are to consume his flesh and blood, underscoring the reality of the Eucharist. While some of his disciples found this teaching difficult to accept, Jesus does not water down the message or explain it as a mere parable. He affirms, quite literally, that he is the bread of life to be eaten, and that this bread is truly his flesh and blood.
In the face of this challenging teaching, many of his disciples chose to leave and return to their former ways. However, for those who receive the gift of faith through the Holy Spirit, belief in this profound mystery becomes possible.
The belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a testament to the power of faith and the profound significance of the Eucharist as the foci within the Church. As Catholics, we embrace this great mystery, trusting in Jesus’ own words and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, we encounter the living Christ, partake in his divine life, and find the source of eternal nourishment for our souls.
Jeremy Lezniak — SFA Theologians Guild Member