WHY I'M CATHOLIC - Ch. 8
"DO THIS"
In our previous chapter we made the case for the historical authenticity of the Gospels. In short, when compared with any other ancient document, there is more evidence for the historical reliability of the Gospels than there is for the writings of Socrates, Plato, or even Shakespeare ― unquestioned intellectual pillars of western civilization. So let us look at what those Gospels record.
They record the birth, life, passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. They also record his teachings, miracles, and commands. For our purpose ― which is to evince and expound upon the reason to be Catholic ― let us examine his most important command: DO THIS.
Scripture records: “on the night before he died, Jesus took the bread and said THIS IS MY BODY, EAT THIS, … and the wine and said THIS IS MY BLOOD, DRINK THIS, … And then he commands: DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.”
At this point, we can go no further unless we identify those churches wherein Christ is worshiped as he commanded. We must find where the DO THIS is done. We might find several churches, but the number narrows as soon as we do.
It narrows even further when we look for those churches who do this weekly and on Sunday as per the practice of the first Christians as recorded in Acts 20:7: “on the first day of the week we gathered together to break bread.”
And it narrows further still when we look for churches which do all of the above but in addition do exactly as Jesus said to do: the celebrant/presider/pastor/priest (or whatever you want to call him - or even her) holds up the bread and wine and says “This is my body … this is my blood”, without any extra comment or qualifiers.
Many churches have wonderful lessons and sermons and Bible studies and praise, but do they have “worship”? Certainly they will call it that. But by whose standard? For those who accept the Scriptures as the true Word of God, we cannot get away from what Jesus commands us to do. Nor can we get away from the example of the first Christians in Acts 20:7.
Where do we find the DO THIS? Primarily we will find it at all Catholic Masses, most Anglican services, and some Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian. There are also a few other denominations which have a weekly liturgy wherein the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper are at least approximated.
But now we come to the “line in the sand”, and only one church will be left standing. Only one church believes, teaches, and practices that the bread and wine, in the hands of the priest and in Jesus’ own words, becomes Jesus Christ himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Disagree if you like. But know what you disagree with.
This chapter does evince a compelling theological argument about the Eucharist's centrality to Catholic identity. The historical evidence you present clearly evinces the continuity of this practice from apostolic times. What's particularly striking is how the command "DO THIS" continues to evince Christ's real presence in the Eucharist across centuries. Your examination of which churches truly evince adherence to this command raises important questions about authenticity and tradition. The narrow path you describe evinces the distinctiveness of Catholic teaching on transubstantiation.