Urban Hannon and Joey Belleza delve into the theological concept of transubstantiation, discussing St. Thomas Aquinas' articulation and exploring St. Francis's teachings on Eucharistic piety. They debate the differences between St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure regarding the Eucharist, emphasizing the mystery and miracle of transubstantiation. The podcast also explores the connections between the Eucharist, Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Thomas Aquinas, highlighting the profound significance of communion and liturgical traditions.
Transubstantiation is a central theological topic involving the conversion of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
The process of understanding transubstantiation unfolds from childhood curiosity to deep theological exploration.
The concept of transubstantiation challenges natural changes and showcases the theological depth behind the Eucharistic conversion.
Deep dives
Understanding the Concept of Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation, the miraculous change that brings about the Eucharist, is a central topic in theology. It involves the conversion of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. The speaker reflects on personal encounters with transubstantiation, highlighting the reverence and theological depth it carries.
The Historical and Theological Origins of Transubstantiation
The discussion delves into the historical and personal journey towards comprehending transubstantiation. From a curious six-year-old growing up in a Catholic environment to deeper theological explorations in adulthood, the intricate process of understanding the Eucharistic conversion is unveiled.
Challenges and Clarity in Transubstantiation
The podcast addresses the challenges and clarity surrounding the concept of transubstantiation. It highlights the distinction between natural changes like burning paper to ash and the unique conversion in the Eucharist where the entire substance is transformed into Christ's body and blood.
Theological Insights and Cultural Context
The narrative delves into theological insights and contrasts with cultural perceptions. It explores the nuanced philosophical arguments defending the reality of transubstantiation, challenging objections and showcasing the theological depth behind the Eucharistic conversion.
Understanding Eucharistic Instantaneity
The concept of Eucharistic transubstantiation happening in an instant is explored, debunking the argument that it must occur over time. Time is not made up of instances like lines are not made up of points. At the moment of the priest's words of institution, Christ's body becomes present while the bread was present before. The Eucharistic mystery is discussed in relation to transcendent nature, contemplating the reduction of God's power in an instant.
Miraculous Conversion and Theological Discourse
The miracle of transubstantiation is analyzed in comparison to creation ex nihilo and natural conversions, highlighting its unique nature. St. Thomas Aquinas delves into the intricacies of how to discuss the Eucharistic miracle, emphasizing the limitations of human language in capturing its essence. The importance of faith in accepting the mystery of transubstantiation is underscored, acknowledging the profound challenge it poses to human comprehension and the necessity of approaching it with humility and belief.
In this extended episode of Sed Contra, Urban Hannon and Joey Belleza discuss the Most Holy Eucharist and in particular transubstantiation with careful attention to St. Thomas Aquinas' articulation of this doctrine in the Summa theologiae III, q. 75.
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