The Thomistic Institute Transubstantiation and the Sacrifice of the Mass Part 1 | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Oct 20, 2016
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses transubstantiation and the sacrifice of the mass, exploring the historical roots and development of the doctrine, the theological aspects of the Eucharist, God's infinite power in substantial conversion, and the use of coercive power in the Catholic Church regarding Eucharist beliefs. The conversation delves into sacramental concepts, analogies influenced by Aristotle, and the significance of communion in connecting with Christ's presence.
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What Transubstantiation Means In Thomistic Terms
- Transubstantiation means a substantial change: bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ while appearances remain.
- Aquinas ties the term to 11th–13th century Aristotelian categories and the 1215 Fourth Lateran affirmation that substance, not accidents, changes.
The Threefold Schema Explains Eucharist Effects
- Medieval theologians used a threefold schema for sacraments: sacramentum tantum (signs), res et sacramentum (reality in sign), and res tantum (reality itself).
- For Aquinas the first proper effect (res et sacramentum) is Christ's real presence; the second (res tantum) is communion into the Church's charity.
Why Faith, Not Senses, Confirms The Real Presence
- Aquinas insists the Eucharist's real presence is known by faith and authority, not by senses or natural reason.
- He cites Church Fathers (Hilary, Ambrose, Cyril) and John 6 to show revelation grounds belief rather than empirical proof.