The Thomistic Institute 1 - Introduction To The Study Of The Eucharist | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Apr 21, 2024
Fr. Thomas Joseph White discusses the Eucharist in Scholastic theology, sacraments, salvation, and the role of grace. He explores Aquinas' views on grace, salvation, and Eucharist, Old Testament ties to Eucharist, and the symbolic meanings of bread, wine, and the Paschal lamb in the Eucharist. The importance of adhering to the elements of bread and wine for sacramental validity and grace is highlighted.
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Threefold Structure Of The Eucharist
- The Eucharist has a threefold structure: sacramentum tantum, res et sacramentum, and res tantum as used by Aquinas.
- Sacramentum tantum are the signs (bread and wine); res et sacramentum is Christ's true body present; res tantum is the Church as mystical body.
Real Presence Happens On The Altar First
- In the Eucharist the first proper effect (res et sacramentum) occurs in the consecrated matter on the altar as Christ's real presence.
- The second effect (res tantum) — the Church as mystical body — is effected in the faithful who receive that sacramental presence.
Salvation Is Eucharistic Incorporation
- Aquinas treats the Eucharist as the principal sacrament of incorporation: its final effect is the mystical body of Christ, the Church.
- Being saved is understood primarily as true incorporation into the Church, with the Eucharist as the chief pathway of that incorporation.