The Eucharist and Christ's Return: Augustine's Distinction
The speaker addresses a claim that the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist contradicts Christ's second coming by portraying Jesus as returning daily as a wafer to be re-sacrificed and worshipped. He states that Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, and that his return will be in power and glory with angels.
The Eucharist does not contradict the second coming because Christ promised to remain with his church until the end of the age. Saint Augustine explains this distinction: Christ is in heaven and also with us. The Eucharist is Christ truly present in his body and blood, while the second coming is his visible return in glory.
Christ's presence with his church fulfills his promise and does not contradict his future return.
Key moments
- The Catholic Jesus is described as returning everyday on an altar in the form of a wafer to be re-sacrificed, idolized, worshipped and consumed by humans.
- Jesus ascended into heaven and is currently seated at the right hand of the Father; when he returns from heaven it will be in power and great glory with angels.
- The Eucharist does not contradict the second coming; Christ himself promised to remain with his church until the end of the age.
- Saint Augustine addresses this distinction when he says Christ, while in heaven, is also with us.
- The Eucharist is Christ truly present in his body and blood; the second coming is his visible return in glory; Christ's presence with his church does not contradict his return but fulfills his promise.