Is Christ's presence in the Eucharist equal to his presence in the Word and the assembly?
The short answer
No. The Church acknowledges Christ's presence in the Word, the sacraments and the assembly, but his presence in the Eucharist surpasses all others. It is called "real" par excellence because it is substantial: Christ is present whole and entire, God and man.
Many presences
The Church recognizes Christ's presence in the Word, the sacraments and the assembly.
One surpassing the rest
In the Eucharist he is present in a way that surpasses all others. Because it contains Christ himself, the Eucharist is a more consoling source of devotion and holier than the other sacraments — the consummation of the spiritual life and the goal of all the sacraments.
"Real" par excellence
This presence is called "real" not to deny that the others are real, but because it is substantial: Christ becomes present whole and entire, God and man (Mysterium Fidei 38-39).
Continue exploring
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