#55 The Bible on the Eucharist: Strange, Sacrificial, Serious, Sacramental, and Shocking - Joe Heschmeyer
Dec 14, 2023
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Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers speaker, explores a fivefold test for Eucharistic theology. Topics include Jesus' use of figures of speech, the confusion surrounding eating his flesh, the struggle to understand his teachings, the seriousness of the Last Supper, and the shocking connection between the Eucharist and the Passover sacrifice.
The biblical teaching on the Eucharist is described as strange, sacrificial, serious, sacramental, and shocking.
Jesus' Eucharistic teaching is significantly different from his other figurative language, emphasizing the literal nature of eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
The Eucharist is not just a symbolic gesture, but a sacrament with profound spiritual ramifications, as seen in the warnings against receiving it unworthily.
Deep dives
The Five-Fold Test for Eucharistic Theology
The podcast explores a five-fold test for understanding Eucharistic theology. The biblical teaching on the Eucharist is described as strange, sacrificial, serious, sacramental, and shocking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of these adjectives in describing one's view of the Eucharist. Drawing from a book called 'The Eucharist is Really Jesus,' the podcast delves deep into the biblical text, particularly John 6, to demonstrate the strangeness and depth of Jesus' Eucharistic teaching. The discourse examines the responses of the crowd and the disciples, revealing the shocking nature of the teaching and its impact on their beliefs and actions.
The Strangeness of Jesus' Eucharistic Teaching
The podcast focuses on the first part of the five-fold test, explaining the strangeness of Jesus' Eucharistic teaching. It compares Jesus' figurative language in other instances and contrasts it with the unique response in John 6. The dialogue between Jesus and the crowd shows that they misunderstand him, yet Jesus doesn't correct them for taking him too literally, but rather for not taking him literally enough. Through an analysis of the text, the podcast illustrates how Jesus consistently emphasizes the literal nature of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, making this teaching significantly different from his other figurative language.
The Sacrifical Nature of the Eucharist
The podcast delves into the sacrificial aspect of Jesus' Eucharistic teaching. It examines St. Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians 10 and highlights the parallels between the Eucharist and the Jewish and pagan sacrificial practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the Eucharist as a true sacrifice, not just a symbol. The podcast draws attention to Ignatius of Antioch's writings, which reflect the sacramental nature of the Eucharist and emphasize the seriousness of partaking in it, as seen in the warnings against receiving it unworthily.
The Seriousness of the Eucharistic Teaching
The podcast explores the seriousness of Jesus' Eucharistic teaching. It refers to St. Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding receiving the Eucharist in an unworthy manner, which can result in guilt, judgment, and even physical illness or death. The discussion highlights the gravity of this teaching, contrasting it with mere metaphorical interpretations that do not carry such consequences. The podcast emphasizes that the Eucharist is not just a symbolic gesture, but a sacrament with profound spiritual ramifications.
The Shocking Nature of Jesus' Eucharistic Teaching
The podcast addresses the shocking nature of Jesus' Eucharistic teaching. It explains how this teaching was astounding to both the crowd and some of Jesus' disciples, leading many to walk away from him. The podcast highlights the bafflement and controversy surrounding the idea of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood. It presents evidence that the early Christians were accused of cannibalism due to their belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The podcast suggests a connection between Jesus' Eucharistic teaching and Judas Iscariot's betrayal, pointing to the shock factor that influenced disciples' actions and decisions.