Summary
Most Catholics don’t believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. Rather, they see the bread and wine of Holy Communion as mere symbols of Christ’s body and blood. Is that disbelief just a misunderstanding or is it a blatant rejection of one of the central beliefs of the faith?
In Real Presence, University of Notre Dame theologian Timothy P. O’Malley clears up the confusion and shows you how to learn to love God and neighbor through a deeper understanding of the doctrine of real presence.
A 2019 study by the Pew Research Center found that almost seventy percent of Catholics don’t believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist.
O’Malley offers a concise introduction to Catholic teaching on real presence and transubstantiation through a biblical, theological, and spiritual account of these doctrines from the early Church to today. He also explores how real presence enables us to see the vulnerability of human life and the dignity of all flesh and blood.
O’Malley leads you to a deeper understanding and renewed faith in Catholic teaching about transubstantiation and real presence by helping you learn
- how the doctrine of real presence is rooted in divine revelation and how the Church’s teaching regarding transubstantiation is spiritually fruitful for the believer today;
- how to make your own the doctrine of real presence by worshipping Christ in the Eucharist and therefore making a real assent to real presence;
- how the Eucharist, although not the exclusive presence of Christ in the Church’s liturgy and mission, is crucial in growing our capacity for recognizing those other presences; and
- the important relationship between Eucharistic communion and adoration.
My Review
I truly enjoyed Timothy O’Malley’s book, Real Presence. As a Catholic revert who is re-learning the faith, O’Malley gave clear and in-depth explanations for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I especially liked the connections he drew to the manna in the desert from the book of Exodus and the writings of the early Church Fathers on the Eucharist.
It made the New Testament teachings hold more meaning for me. And I am looking forward to going to Mass, knowing all I have available to me in the Bread and Wine.
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