Eucharist

The Eucharist

The eucharist is the Life of the Church and often called "The sacrament of sacraments." Irenaeus speaks about it when he says: "He has declared the cup, a part of creation, to be his own blood, from which he causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, he has established as his own body, from which he gives increase unto our bodies. When, therefore, the mixed cup [wine and water] and the baked bread receives the Word of God and becomes the Eucharist, the body of Christ, and from these the substance of our flesh is increased and supported, how can they say that the flesh is not capable of receiving the gift of God, which is eternal life; flesh which is nourished by the body and blood of the Lord, and is in fact a member of him?" (Against Heresies 5:2)

The Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ; it was always known by the Church to be more than merely a symbol, but the driving life force of the Church.