Modes of Christ's Presence

Of the various modes of presence mentioned in these documents, there are four that are especially applicable to the Eucharistic liturgy; Christ’s presence in the assembly,in the minister, in the word, and in the Eucharistic species.

Each of these modes of presence is real in its own way, but only in the Eucharist is Christ’s humanity present in its physical reality, although not in the same way that other bodies are present in a given place. These modes may be briefly explained as follows.

Christ’s Presence in the assembly. Christ promised that He will be present wherever two or three are gathered in His name: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst” (Mt 18.20). This does not mean that in such gatherings Christ’s bodily humanity is present as it is in the Eucharist, but He is present in His divine person, His attention and affection, and the gift of His grace.

Christ’s Presence in the Minister. Christ is present in the minister inasmuch as He acts through the minister to achieve the purpose of the sacrament. The celebrant of the Eucharist does not act in his own name and by his own power and authority, but in the person of Christ, and by Christ’s authority. He is the instrument or agent through whom Christ acts...

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching