Catholic Answers Live #12341 Is the Eucharist a Literal Sacrifice or Just Symbolic? Body, Blood, and Sacrifice - Joe Heschmeyer
Aug 25, 2025
Join Joe Heschmeyer, author of 'The Eucharist is Really Jesus,' as he dives into the intriguing debate over the Eucharist's nature. They tackle whether Jesus spoke symbolically when He said, 'This is my body' and clarify His command to 'eat my flesh and drink my blood' in light of Jewish law. Heschmeyer elucidates the significance of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with Protestant views, and dispels misconceptions around the Eucharist, including the idea of cannibalism, emphasizing its deep spiritual meaning.
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Interpret Scripture By Context And Response
- Jesus sometimes speaks metaphorically but not always, so determine meaning from context and reactions.
- Read passages by how listeners understand them and whether Jesus corrects or affirms that understanding.
John 6 Moves From Manna To Flesh
- John 6 intentionally leads readers from manna imagery to the claim that the bread is Jesus' flesh.
- Jesus redefines the metaphor so 'eat this bread' becomes 'eat my flesh' in a bodily sense.
Jesus Doubles Down With Stronger Imagery
- Jesus intensifies the language in John 6, shifting verbs and adding provocative imagery.
- The use of gnawing and drinking blood makes a mere metaphor for 'pondering teaching' implausible.
