Day 188: Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist (2025) - The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode Summary: Day 188 – Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist

In Day 188 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, listeners delve deep into the profound mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. This episode, released on July 7, 2025, covers paragraphs 1373 to 1377 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, exploring the theological foundations, historical affirmations, and spiritual significance of the Eucharist.

1. Introduction to Christ’s Presence (00:00 – 05:30)

Fr. Mike begins the episode by highlighting the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic faith, emphasizing it as a miracle akin to the Incarnation. He underscores the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, a mystery that signifies God's immense love for humanity.

Notable Quote:

"At every Mass, in every tabernacle around the world, bread and wine become truly, really, and substantially the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (02:15)

2. Exploring the Real Presence (05:31 – 15:45)

Delving into paragraphs 1373-1377, Fr. Mike explains the Real Presence of Christ, not just in the Eucharist but in various facets of Christian life and sacraments. He outlines multiple ways Jesus is present, including His Word, Church's prayer, sacraments, and most especially in the Eucharistic species.

Key Points:

Multiple Presences: Christ is present in His Word, the Church's prayer, sacraments, the poor, the sick, and more.
Eucharist’s Uniqueness: The Eucharist stands above all sacraments as the perfection of the spiritual life, being the ultimate goal of all sacraments.

Notable Quote:

"This presence is called real, by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence, but because it is presence in the fullest sense."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (08:40)

3. Doctrine of Transubstantiation (15:46 – 30:20)

Fr. Mike delves into the doctrine of transubstantiation, explaining how the substance of bread and wine transforms into Christ's body and blood, while the accidents (appearance, taste, texture) remain unchanged. This profound change underscores the mystery and miracle of the Eucharist.

Key Points:

Substantial Change: The whole substance of bread and wine becomes the whole substance of Christ’s body and blood.
Council of Trent’s Affirmation: Fr. Mike references the Council of Trent, which definitively declared this transformation.

Notable Quote:

"The whole substance of bread and wine has become the substance of Christ's body and blood."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (22:10)

4. Historical Affirmations by Church Fathers (30:21 – 45:00)

Highlighting the consistent belief in the Eucharist from the early Church, Fr. Mike cites insights from St. John Chrysostom, St. Ambrose, and St. Ignatius of Antioch. These Fathers emphasized that the transformation is wrought by Christ Himself, not by human action, and that the priest acts in the person of Christ during the consecration.

Key Points:

St. John Chrysostom: Emphasized that it's Christ who transforms the elements, not man.
St. Ambrose: Highlighted God's omnipotence in changing the nature of the elements.
St. Ignatius of Antioch: Affirmed the Eucharist as the true flesh and blood of Christ from the early years of Christianity.

Notable Quote:

"It is not man that causes the things offered to become the body and blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ Himself."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (35:50)

5. Practical Implications and Reverence (45:01 – 55:30)

Fr. Mike discusses the practical aspects of the Eucharist, such as handling the consecrated host with utmost reverence. He explains procedures like placing a fallen host in water to dissolve it, ensuring that the Eucharist remains respected even in mishaps. Additionally, he touches on the total presence of Christ in each reception of the Eucharist, regardless of the quantity consumed.

Key Points:

Respect for the Eucharist: Guidelines for handling and disposing of consecrated elements.
Wholeness of Christ: Emphasizes that even a small piece of the host contains the whole Christ.

Notable Quote:

"Christ is present, whole and entire in each of the species, and whole and entire in each of their parts."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (52:15)

6. Invitation to Deepen Relationship with Christ (55:31 – End)

Concluding the episode, Fr. Mike urges listeners to move beyond intellectual understanding and cultivate a personal relationship with Christ through the Eucharist. He encourages regular participation in Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and a heartfelt desire to abide in Christ.

Final Thoughts:

Personal Connection: Transitioning from knowledge to a living relationship with Jesus.
Daily Encounter: Recognizing and nurturing the presence of Christ in daily life and worship.

Notable Quote:

"I don't just want to hear about Jesus. I want to see him. I want to have that relationship. I want to live in that relationship."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (1:02:45)

Conclusion

Day 188 offers a comprehensive exploration of the Eucharist, blending theological depth with spiritual encouragement. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges doctrinal teachings with practical faith applications, inviting listeners to embrace the mystery of Christ's presence and deepen their communion with Him through the sacrament of the Eucharist.

For those eager to journey through the entire Catechism with Fr. Mike Schmitz, consider subscribing to Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast for daily insights and spiritual growth.