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224 • Part II. The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
thy place in the Church and should be constructed in such a way that it
emphasizes and manifests the truth of the real presence of Christ in the
Blessed Sacrament” (CCC, no. 1379).
With the passage of time, reverent reflection led the Church to
enrich its Eucharistic devotion. Faith that Jesus is truly present in the
Sacrament led believers to worship Christ dwelling with us permanently
in the Sacrament. Wherever the Sacrament is, there is Christ, who is our
Lord and our God. Such worship is expressed in many ways: in genuflec-
tion, in adoration of the Eucharist, and in the many forms of Eucharistic
devotion that faith has nourished.
The Eucharistic Liturgy contains the entire treasure of the Church
since it makes present the Paschal Mystery, the central event of salvation.
Eucharistic adoration and devotion flow from and lead to the Eucharistic
Liturgy, the Mass.
WAYS OF PARTICIPATING IN
THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
Through participation in the Eucharist, we also participate in the
Paschal Mystery of Christ, that is, in his dying and rising, which is made
present for us in the Eucharistic sacrifice. This participation in the
Paschal Mystery of Christ reaches its consummation when we receive
his Body and Blood in Holy Communion. Christ’s victory and triumph
over death is then made present in the lives of those who participate in
the Eucharist.
Holy Communion increases our union with Christ. “Whoever eats
my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56).
Communion with the Body of Christ preserves, increases, and renews
the life of grace received at Baptism.
Holy Communion separates us from sin. We receive the Body of
Christ “given up for us” to save us from sin. We receive the Blood of
Christ “shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Our love of God is
intensified and therefore our disordered attachments are weakened and
even broken. Divine love wipes away venial sins.