Question from Audrey on 10/9/2007:

My friend does not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the bread and wine mainly because of his Bible History professor. When I told him about the Eucharistic discourse in the book of John he asked his professor and he said it was due to redaction and that John was proving Jesus' humanity to the unbelieving Jews. Also, his professor said that the other 3 gospels, when read in Greek, show that Jesus meant it only to be a representation of his body and blood. My friend believes that it doesn't matter whether Jesus is really present or not because the underlying theme is the ability to commune with God. Is this true? I absolutely believe in Jesus' real presence in the bread and wine but I don't know how to refute his professor's argument. Please help.

Answer by Catholic Answers on 10/9/2007:

Hi Audrey,

Nonsense. It's not just the Gospel of John that support the real presence. St. Paul speaks of receiving it worthily. One doesn't have to be worthy of a symbol. See this:

http://www.catholic.com/library/Real_Presence.asp

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.