Holy Eucharist, by reason both of its intrinsic nature and its blessed effects on mankind, is unspeakably superior, not only to the Mosaic rites, but also to all the other sacraments of the New Law. Among them the Eucharist is what the seraphim are among angels, what the arch of heaven is to the heavenly bodies, what the sun is among luminaries, fire among elements, man among animals, the pine among trees, gold among metals, charity among virtues, and theology among sciences. No wonder the Church, in commemorating the institution of this Blessed Sacrament, arrays herself in joyous apparel and calls into play the full splendor of her ritual.
But alas, Brethren, short of heaven there is no joy undimmed by some small sorrow, and the one spot on our feast of charity is that so many Christians persistently deny the real presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Eucharist. Christ's words, "This is My body," are interpreted by the entire Protestant world to mean: " This signifies My body." In their creed the Eucharist is a mere figure, in dignity less than the Jewish Passover, and in usefulness inferior to the manna. But the Catholic Church, by her choice of this passage for to-day's gospel, clearly indicates her belief. " A certain man made a great supper and invited many." Who that man but God? What that supper but the Eucharist? Who the invited but all mankind? A great supper, indeed, is the Eucharist, for whereas it has been partaken of throughout the whole world and for ages by millions and billions of human beings whose spiritual
