As an antidote to the widespread lack of faith in the Real Presence, theologian Scott Hahn prescribes a look into the early Church’s understanding of the relationship between the Eucharist and parousia. In modern times we understand “parousia” to refer to the glorious second coming of Christ, but in the time of Paul this was not so; on the contrary the same word, parousia, could refer merely to one’s bodily presence. While the presence of Christ now is hidden under the humble forms of bread and wine, He is truly with us in the Eucharist. The hope we have of the glorious second coming of Christ is fulfilled at every Mass!
About the Author
Scott Hahn is the Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. Founder and President of the St. Paul Center, Dr. Hahn has been married to Kimberly since 1979; they have six children and twenty-three grandchildren. He is the author or editor of over fifty popular and academic books, including best-selling titles Rome Sweet Home, The Lamb’s Supper, and Hope to Die.
