The solemnity of the most holy Body and Blood of Christ.

The young are wont to ask. What would we say in response to the question: why are unleavened bread and grapes used as matter in the Eucharistic celebration? Why is it received in the world also under bread and wine? Why is it received manually somewhere? Why is today’s feast commanded? Can we talk about the Eucharist for five minutes?

The Evangelist Luke tells of the multiplication of the five loaves and two fishes to a crowd, where “there were about five thousand men” (Lk 9:14).

The miracle of the multiplication of the five loaves and the two fish makes clear the power and heart of Jesus. Jesus demonstrated control over the laws of nature by other miracles as well. Why did Jesus perform this miracle, and what did he mean by it? In the Old Testament, God showed concern for the chosen people. In the wilderness, the nation received “manna,” bread to eat, from God. The unleavened bread that the government hastily took with them from Egypt when the Jewish people were given their freedom after the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, was passed over. For forty years, God had filled the nation until the day they entered the Promised Land with “manna,” bread from heaven. Everyone was filled, no one had enough, and no one had extra. Jesus was preparing a nation for new life. He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. In the Upper Room, Jesus left us the gift of love, of Himself in the form of bread and wine. God created man in his image and made man’s body. The Son of God wanted to remain with a man until the end of time. Out of love, Jesus remains with us in the forms of bread and wine. On Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist. That time especially highlights the season of Lent. And because Jesus Himself provided for today’s feast, a feast of public reverence for the Eucharist through processions.
Bread, not only in the time of Christ but also today, is staple food for people. In the same way, wine in the southern countries is taken as a daily thing for strengthening the body and the joy of the spirit. Nothing more beautiful and valuable could Jesus have given to the people than the institution of the Eucharist, when, after the priest has spoken his words, the bread of wheat becomes the body of Christ, and the wine of the grape becomes the blood of Christ.
In the early centuries, wheat bread and barley bread were used in everyday leavened bread. To make the faithful aware of the difference between bread for the body and bread for the soul, unleavened bread, such as the bread eaten by the Jews in the wilderness, began to be used in breaking the bread, that is, in the Holy Mass. Unleavened bread was introduced into the liturgy at the turn of the 10th-11th century. Because the bread broke, communion was practiced by each person breaking off a loaf, which is now practiced in some places by taking communion in hand. The expression “breaking of the bread” in the early Church referred to the celebration of the Eucharist (cf. Didache, 1st century). Even today, unleavened wheat bread is used. Even if the loaf of bread form is not used, the priest breaks at least one host, i.e., today’s round shape, when celebrating Mass.
Because of practicalities, the communion of wine from the chalice has begun to be abandoned. This was based on the practice of not profaning the blood of Christ by pouring it out. Hygienic reasons also played a role. And because Christ is present whole under the smallest part of the bread and wine, it became the tradition of the Church that it be received under the manner of bread on the tongue. Since the 13th century, it has been obtained only in this way.
The Second Vatican Council permits the reception of wine in appropriate ways on certain feasts and to certain people. Communion in both ways is not excluded. On the contrary, it is encouraged for a particular celebration, such as the baptism of a child or a family member’s funeral.
The important thing is that the Eucharist is celebrated in memory of Christ, and the whole celebration is meant to respond as faithfully as possible to the message of the Lord Jesus.

Reverence for the Eucharist is shown not only by appropriate behavior in church, its preservation, and celebration, but also by various adoration and devotions, and these include the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of God when the Eucharist is carried in a solemn manner outside the church for public veneration. This is precisely determined by the regulations of the Code of Canon Law (can. 944). The tradition goes back to the 13th century against the errors of Waldensian and Albigensianism. Pope Urban IV instituted the present feast in 1264.

Today it is a tradition in many places that the streets – where the procession with the Eucharistic Christ will go – are decorated with petals of flowers, which are used to create beautiful images, and texts by which people show their reverence, their relationship to Christ under the manner of bread and wine.

It is much more critical that we receive Christ in pure hearts, honor him with our lives, and encounter him often in the Eucharist. Therefore, full participation in the Mass includes coming to the Lord’s Table. Since Pope St. Pius X, even children who know about the Eucharist can approach Holy Communion. It is fitting that the faithful may also receive more than once a day a second time when they are present at the entire Holy Mass (cf. can. 917). Eucharistic Congresses have played an essential role since the 19th century. The first was held in 1881 in Lille, France. They are celebrated every four years in a city designated by the Holy Father, to which he comes or appoints a legate.
The absolution for blasphemy, the unworthy, sinful reception of Christ’s body and blood, or the use of the Eucharist for illicit things also plays an important role. Specific organizations, such as the Satanists, are said to profane the Eucharist. Such activity is so grave that its absolution is tied directly to the apostolic power of the Holy Father.

There are actual words on one divine service: “The Lord Jesus gave to man all He had: His Body and Blood, His Heart and Soul. And all this out of love for us.”

Today, many brothers and sisters from other churches who do not have the Eucharist are sincerely aware of what they are missing. And no wonder many in ecumenism are also concerned about celebrating the Eucharist together, something our Church does not yet allow for serious reasons. Brothers and sisters from other churches can participate in the celebration, but they cannot come to communion except with the bishop’s permission after fulfilling specific conditions. For us, in other churches, especially Western Protestant churches, since they do not have the same attitude towards the Eucharist as we do, we are not allowed to approach their table, but we can participate in the service. When participating in the celebration of the Eucharist in the Eastern churches, we may receive if we are disposed of. This is how the unity we are to build is visibly manifested. If there has been a division between Christians in the East and the West, it is necessary today to be aware of what unites us and divides us. What unites must be cultivated, and what separates must be eliminated. This is a long-term and challenging process. It is a pity that sin has destroyed and is still destroying today what Jesus asked for at the Last Supper. Prayer is needed today to find a way back to unity at one table, celebrating the Eucharist.

The more we understand the Eucharist, the sooner we will fulfill the words of Jesus.