What does Real Presence teach about the Eucharist?

• A. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.
• B. Jesus is present only as a symbolic memory.
• C. The Eucharist is merely bread.
• D. The Eucharist is only symbolic or symbolic memory.

Answer: (A)

Real Presence teaches that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, not just in memory or symbol, but in a real, substantial way under the outward signs of bread and wine. This meaning rests on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, “This is my body” and “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” which the church understands as indicating a real transformation of what is offered. In Catholic teaching, this transformation is described as transubstantiation: the substance of bread and wine changes into the Body and Blood of Christ, while the visible features—the taste, color, and texture—still appear as bread and wine. Because of this, believers participate in a genuine, personal union with Christ when they receive the Eucharist. The other views treat the meal as merely symbolic or as a remembrance, which Real Presence rejects by affirming that Christ is truly present in a way that is more than symbolic or commemorative.