Why do we speak of transubstantiation?
The Eucharistic discourse of St. John develops in a unique way, which can be described as a spiral or spiral staircase. In this discourse, Jesus seems to continuously return to the same themes, but each time introduces a new element that elevates our contemplation of the mystery. The new element in this case is bread, which is repeated up to five times.
The sacraments are signs that produce what they signify. Therefore, it is important to understand what bread means for humanity. To grasp the meaning of the Eucharist, it is better to look at the work of the farmer, the miller, the housewife, or the baker, rather than relying solely on the theologian.
Bread is a symbol of work, waiting, nourishment, domestic joy, unity, and solidarity among those who partake in it. Unlike other foods, bread never causes nausea, it is consumed daily, and its taste is always pleasing. It complements all types of food. People who suffer from hunger do not envy the rich for their caviar or smoked salmon; they primarily long for fresh bread.
What happens when this bread reaches the altar and is consecrated by the priest? Catholic doctrine expresses it with the word "transubstantiation." This means that at the moment of consecration, the bread ceases to be bread and becomes the Body of Christ. The substance, the true essence of the bread, which can only be perceived by the mind and not the eyes, gives way to the divine Person who is the living and risen Christ, while the external appearances (referred to as "accidents" in theological terms) still resemble bread.
To better understand transubstantiation, it is helpful to look at the word "transformation," which is similar and more familiar to us. Transformation means to move from one form to another, whereas transubstantiation refers to moving from one substance to another. For instance, if we see a lady coming out of the hairdresser with a completely new hairstyle, we would say, "What a transformation!" No one would exclaim, "What a transubstantiation!"
Of course, the lady has changed her external appearance, but not her essence or personality. If she was intelligent before, she remains intelligent now; if she was not, unfortunately, she still is not intelligent. The appearances have changed, but not the substance.
In the Eucharist, the opposite occurs: the substance changes, but not the appearances. The bread is transubstantiated, but not transformed; the external characteristics (shape, taste, color, weight) remain the same, while the profound reality changes—it becomes the Body of Christ.
The Eucharist enlightens, elevates, and consecrates the entire reality of the world and human activity. In the Eucharist, material elements such as the sun, earth, and water are presented to God and fulfill their purpose, which is to serve and proclaim the glory of the Creator. The Eucharist is the true "canticle of creatures."
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