Jerónimo Jacinto de Espinosa, “Adoration of the Eucharist,” ca. 1650 (photo: Public Domain)
The problem of the Real Presence demands a decision. There’s no middle ground.
By Archbishop Alexander Sample, EWTN News,
Archbishop Alexander Sample was ordained a priest in 1990 and served in the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan, for 15 years before being appointed Bishop of Marquette in 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI. He became the 11th archbishop of Portland in Oregon in 2013.
The first and most important of the Ten Commandments found in the Book of Exodus is: “I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before me.” The commandments are arranged in order of importance. Therefore, this is the most important commandment. Violating it is as bad as it gets.
Now, think about this: We Catholics make an astonishing claim. We claim the Eucharist is really, truly God himself. Not an image. Not a symbol. God.
If we’re right about that, then there are eternal consequences. You can consume perfect love, and in turn, be consumed by love. But if we’re wrong, well, there are eternal consequences. We’re violating the First Commandment and we must run, flee, proclaim to the world the abomination that is the Church. …
Prelates and priests attending the final day of the Third Eucharistic Congress of the United States held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City on September 27, 28, and 29, 1904. (Image: Archive.org)