The amazing science of recent Eucharistic miracles
The amazing science of recent Eucharistic miraclesWhen we think about Eucharistic miracles, we may be tempted to think that most of them are unsubstantiated stories that only happened in the “old days” and couldn’t happen today in our age of science. The last few decades, however, have seen a surge in Eucharistic miracles which cannot be explained by science. And in most of these recent miracles, the Eucharist turns into human flesh and blood. The consistency among the scientific results is startling. Let’s begin with the oldest-known verifiable case of the Eucharist transforming into physical flesh and blood – the Miracle of Lanciano, which took place in 750 A.D. and underwent testing in the 1970s. The facts of this case are stunning.
Eucharistic Miracles: Evidence of the Real Presence
At every Catholic Mass, following the command of Jesus Himself, the celebrant raises the host and says, “Take this, all of you, and eat it: This is my body, which will be given up for you.” Then he lifts the cup and says, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.”
The doctrine of transubstantiation, the teaching that bread and wine are converted into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, is difficult. When Christ first told His followers of it, many rejected Him. But Jesus did not clarify His statement or correct their misunderstanding. He simply repeated His command to the disciples at the Last Supper. Some Christians today still have trouble accepting this teaching.
Throughout history, though, many people have reported miracles that brought them back to the truth. The Church has recognized over 100 Eucharistic miracles, many of which occurred during times of weakened faith in transubstantiation.