Skip to content

[It is appropriate that the Body and Blood of Christ be…

“[It is appropriate that the Body and Blood of Christ be truly present in this Sacrament] because of the perfection of the New Covenant. The sacrifices of the Old Covenant contained the true sacrifice of Christ's Passion only in symbol…Therefore it was necessary that the sacrifice of the New…” quote by Thomas Aquinas
Download Open image
“[It is appropriate that the Body and Blood of Christ be truly present in this Sacrament] because of the perfection of the New Covenant. The sacrifices of the Old Covenant contained the true sacrifice of Christ's Passion only in symbol…Therefore it was necessary that the sacrifice of the New Covenant, instituted by Christ, have something more, namely, that it contain Christ Himself who has suffered and contain Him not only in symbol but in reality.”

Thomas Aquinas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The New Covenant makes Christ present truly in the Eucharist, not merely symbolically.

In simple terms: Christ is truly present in the sacrament.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the depth of the rite.

Themes

faith sacraments presence

Mood

reverent contemplative

Type

theological spiritual

When to use this quote

  • Mass celebration
  • personal devotion
  • theological study
  • ecumenical dialogue

Key Concepts

real presence symbolism covenant theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this belief shape worship?
  • What is the role of symbolism?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations vary across denominations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Aquinas

Explore all 357 Thomas Aquinas quotes

More Appropriate quotes

Browse all 1,130 Appropriate quotes