RBWords

     These words from the Gospel According to Matthew call our attention to a term that we Catholics are familiar with: "the Real Presence."  In most cases one hears that term used in regard to the Eucharist.  However, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out (#1373), Christ is truly present in many ways to us.  The "gathering in faith" described by Matthew is one.  Another may be found also in the Gospel According to Matthew in the words of Jesus at the Last Judgment: "As often as you did it to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me." [Matt. 25:40].  Christ is present in his word, which is the scripture. and in its proclamation.  

     There is no question of the importance of the Real Presence in the Eucharist, but if we confine our understanding of Real Presence to the Eucharist, we are empoverishing ourselves and others.  If we go to church and receive communion but do not recognize Christ in those who are in the same line with us, we are narrowing Christ's presence to a particular personal devotional act.  Christ is truly present in the dignity of the human person.  This is why such things as abortion or mistreatment of immigrants or the poor or the sick in our midst is a sin.  We are all made in the image and likeness of God [Genesis 1:27].  An increased awareness of Christ's presence in our midst outside of the Eucharistic presence could have a tremendous impact on the political and economic and social life of our culture and nation.  We have a long way to go in this awareness.  AMEN