Still More from Cologne

Pietro DeMarco, Magister's cohort over at L'Espresso, bats cleanup with a rich theological and ecclesiological analysis of last weekend's message

They cannot be taken for granted in Catholic circles. Benedict XVI deliberately accentuated his statement of the real presence, of the change (in German, it is "Wandlung," which signifies transubstantiation) that takes place in the Eucharistic species, and of the transformations ("Verwandlungen") that these, as a gift, bring about within man. The word that transforms is powerful. And the transformation of the man who nourishes himself on the Eucharist is utterly real. This reality has historical breadth and weight; it transmits itself and is active: "a series of transformations leading ultimately to the transformation of the world" (homily on Sunday, August 21).

This topic demands urgent catechesis among Catholics. Is this spoken of within our churches? And is attention given to uniting the theology of the real presence with adoration, and adoration with the recognition of the Savior and how his kingly nature is expressed in his love? This means the recognition of the impact of this royal nature, not only on the soul and the person, but on history and the cosmos (an indispensable recognition, this one, in order that the first be a profession of faith), as is stated in the doxology of the Our Father: "your kingdom come, your will be done in heaven and on earth." And is the recognition of "adoratio" as a dwelling upon the other's lips until the moment of the kiss (as the catechist pope recalled) united with its recognition as "proskynesis," prostrating oneself before the majesty of God?

As you can see, it makes for luscious reading.

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