The doctrine of concomitance stems from the teachings and interpretations of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and said, “This is my body.” He also took a cup of wine, blessed it, and said, “This is my blood.” These words have since been understood by many Christians to indicate the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
According to the doctrine of concomitance, the sacramental union between the body and blood of Christ is indivisible. This means that wherever Christ’s body is present, his blood is also present, and vice versa. Therefore, when bread is consecrated by a priest during the Eucharistic celebration, it is believed to become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. Similarly, when wine is consecrated, it is also transformed into the same real presence of Christ.
The doctrine of concomitance is closely tied to the concept of transubstantiation. Transubstantiation is the belief that the substance of the bread and wine changes during the consecration, while their physical properties remain the same. This means that the bread and wine still look and taste like ordinary bread and wine, but their underlying substance has been transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
The doctrine of concomitance has faced criticism and debate throughout history. Some Christians, particularly those outside the Catholic Church, interpret the words of Christ during the Last Supper metaphorically, viewing the bread and wine as mere symbols of his body and blood. Others argue that the physical and natural properties of bread and wine cannot coexist with the body and blood of Christ.
However, proponents of the doctrine of concomitance believe that it is a profound mystery that surpasses human understanding. They argue that while the senses may perceive ordinary bread and wine, faith allows believers to discern the true presence of Christ. It is seen as a testament to the power of God’s grace, which allows for the simultaneous presence of Christ in different forms.
The doctrine of concomitance is not only significant for discussions but also holds deep spiritual meaning for many believers. The Eucharist is considered a central sacrament within Christianity, representing the unity of believers with Christ and with each other. The doctrine of concomitance highlights the profound intimacy and communion that believers can experience through the reception of the Eucharist.
In conclusion, the doctrine of concomitance is a principle within Christian theology that affirms the real presence of Christ in both the bread and wine during the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is closely interconnected with the concept of transubstantiation and serves as a testament to the power of God’s grace. Despite ongoing debates, the doctrine of concomitance holds a central place within the Catholic Church and remains a deeply meaningful belief for many Christians.