believe in jesus’ body
“My Lord and my God!” —John 20:28
At the elevation of the host at Mass, we proclaim with St. Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) Jesus invited Thomas to touch His body, so that he might believe that Jesus was truly risen. In Holy Communion, Jesus likewise invites us to touch and receive His Body, that we might also grow in faith. There is a connection, then, between St. Thomas’ doubt and the physical body of Jesus.
In the first letter of John, we are told that every true spirit recognizes Jesus Christ come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2-3). In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus literally comes in the flesh (Jn 6:53-56). Polls tell us that large numbers of Catholics today doubt that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, less than half the registered Catholics in the USA regularly attended Sunday Mass. Perhaps that is why we were taught to pray quietly the words of St. Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” as the priest elevates the consecrated host in the Eucharistic prayer. If we believed that Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, true God and true Man, the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), was truly present in the Eucharist, we couldn’t stay away from Mass. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist at Mass (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1376-1377). Believe that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist (Jn 6:40, 47). Receive Him at Mass, even daily if possible.
Prayer: Father, may I desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion as often as You desire it for me.
Promise: “You are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God.” —Eph 2:19
Praise: “Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5) St. Thomas did find the Way and now intercedes for us in heaven.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.