The problem with believing in the “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharist is multi-layered. There is the first challenge in believing that God, in Christ, can inhabit the bread. That is profound and mind-blowing all by itself. That Christ would choose to associate himself with the simple and foundational food of physical sustenance is a mystery that theologians grapple with, and believers come face to face with every time we celebrate the Eucharist.
But the mystery and challenge does not end there. We are being asked to consider, and more importantly, believe, that God also inhabits US. This is one of the central quandaries over transcendence. We mostly believe in what we can see. Only what we see before us, right here, right now, in this very place and moment – only that can make sense to us.
The mystery of the Eucharist, with God in Christ announcing, “I am the bread of life,” gets down to brass tacks about what we believe and profess – that God wants to dwell in us. Our “Great” Amen at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer and our individual “amens” that we utter when we approach the table affirms the amazing claim that God wants to inhabit us, to make us living, walking, breathing, and active tabernacles of faith. Our many “amens” are an affirmation and courageous assertion that we can say and sing: “Yes, you are our food and drink. You are the bread of life. You sustain us. I too am the bread of life and the cup of hope and promise.” Giving our assent to this action, not the Nicene Creed, is our true profession of faith.
--Msgr. Paul Whitmore
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