276. How the Eucharist keeps us from sin
276. HOW THE EUCHARIST KEEPS US FROM SIN
Does the Eucharist keep us not only from future punishments but also from future sins? In other words, does it sanctify us as well as justify us?
Whether man is preserved by this sacrament from future sin?
Sin is the spiritual death of the soul. Hence man is preserved from future sin in the same way as the body is preserved from future death of the body; and this happens in two ways. First of all, in so far as man’s nature is strengthened inwardly against inner decay, and so by means of food and medicine he is preserved from death. Secondly, by being guarded against outward assaults; and thus he is protected by means of arms by which he defends his body.
Now this sacrament preserves man from sin in both of these ways . . . first of all, by uniting man with Christ through grace . . . secondly, inasmuch as it is a sign of Christ’s Passion, whereby the devils are conquered, it repels all the assaults of demons. . . .
The effect of this sacrament is received according to man’s condition. Such is the case with every active cause in that its effect is received in matter according to the condition of the matter. But such is the condition of man on earth that his free will can be bent to good or evil. Hence, although this sacrament of itself has the power of preserving from sin, yet it does not take away from man the possibility of sinning (III,79,6).
Sin is the worst thing in life, because it separates us from God, Who is the Best Thing.
Nothing is a more powerful enemy of sin than God Himself.
Hidden behind the appearances of the Eucharist is God Himself, in person.
Therefore the Eucharist is the most powerful enemy of sin, which is the worst thing in life.
Whatever is the most powerful enemy of the worst thing in life, is the best thing in life.
Therefore the Eucharist is the best thing in life.
St. Thomas explains that Christ in the Eucharist preserves us from sin both inwardly and outwardly, both positively and negatively, both by strengthening the soul as food strengthens the body, and by giving the soul the most powerful weapon against the attacks of our enemies.
We do have real enemies; the word is used literally hundreds of times in the Psalms. They are demons. If there are really no demons, or if they are not the formidable enemies that the Bible, the Church, the saints, and Christ Himself tell us they are, then Christ, the saints, the Bible, and the Church are all fools or liars. True, modern science and modern psychology know nothing of demons. But what logically follows from that? Why would you expect them to?
Is your faith weak? Is your hope and courage weak? Is your love weak? The Eucharist is the Food that will strengthen you. Nothing can compare with it—no efforts on our part, no psychological techniques, no matter how good they are—can possibly compare with Jesus Christ Himself in person.
When assailed by temptations from your spiritual enemies, do you succumb easily, without a great struggle? Do you seldom win? Here is the answer. It will not end your struggles, but it will end your habitual defeats. Demons may laugh at your powers and your virtues; they do not laugh at Christ.
Do you want to become strong? Do you want to become a saint? Put all your trust in Him, in His Real Presence in the Eucharist and in your soul after you receive Him there, rather than in yourself. Ask yourself: Do I really believe that Jesus Christ Himself is really, fully, personally there, when I receive Him, in my body and my soul? If I do, how can I fear the assault of mere creatures, however formidable?
Protestants can put all their trust in Christ too, and become holy and strong, but not as easily, concretely, simply, and objectively as Catholics. What a power we have! How simple it is! He is really there! If you believe that, though you will not become perfect instantly, your life will be transformed.