Makes the soul holy and good…
Holy contrition, holy humility, holy charity, holy devotion, and holy joy makes the soul holy and good
–Blessed Giles of Assisi (1190-1262)
The Body of Christ…
It is appropriate that we should receive the body of Christ in the form of bread, because, as there are many grains of wheat in the flour from which bread is made by mixing it with water and baking it with fire, so also we know that many members make up the one body of Christ which is brought to maturity by the fire of the Holy Spirit… Similarly, the wine of Christ’s blood, drawn from the many grapes of the vineyard that he had planted, is extracted in the wine-press of the cross. When men receive it with believing hearts, like capacious wineskins, it ferments within them by its own power.
–Saint Gaudentius of Brescia (d. 410)
This heavenly sacrifice…
The heavenly sacrifice, instituted by Christ, is the most gracious legacy of his new covenant. On the night he was delivered up to be crucified he left us this gift as a pledge of his abiding presence. This sacrifice is our sustenance on life’s journey; by it we are nourished and supported along the road of life until we depart from this world and make our way to the Lord.
–Saint Gaudentius of Brescia (d. 410)
Jesus our Savior…
As by the Word of God, Jesus our Savior was made Flesh and had both Flesh and Blood for our salvation, so also the food which has been blessed by the word of prayer instituted by Him is both the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Incarnate.
–Saint Justin Martyr (100-165)
The Church received…
The Church, spread throughout the whole world, received this preaching and this faith and now preserves it carefully, dwelling as it were in one house. Having one soul and one heart, the Church holds this faith, preaches and teaches it consistently as though by a single voice. For though there are different languages, there is but one tradition.
–Saint Irenaeus (late 2nd Century)
This is my Body…
Since Christ Himself has said, ‘This is My Body’ who shall dare to doubt that It is His Body?
–Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313-386)
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