St. Ambrose on the power of God’s word

This passage is wonderful for reflecting on the power of God’s word–and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. How amazing would it be if we all received the Eucharist with the kind of faith that would open our hearts to its power and graces? 

How incredible is it that we are offered such a precious gift at every single mass? I am just beginning to understand that Christ opens his arms and dies for love of us each and every time we celebrate the Eucharist. 

“You will say, perhaps, ‘this is ordinary bread.’ But this bread which is no more than bread before the sacramental words, becomes the Body of Christ from the moment of the consecration. Let us prove it. How can bread become Christ’s Body? By what words is the consecration achieved, and whose words are they? They are the words of Jesus. Indeed, all that is said before them is said by the priest: he praises God, prays for the people, for kings, for all men. But when he comes to make present the venerable sacrament, he no longer uses his own words, but uses those of Christ. It is the word of Christ, then, that produces this sacrament. But what word of Christ? That word by which all things were made. God spoke, and the heavens were made. God spoke, and the earth was made. God spoke, and the sea was made. God spoke, and all creatures were made. Does not this show you how powerful is the Word of Christ?”