Medieval philosophers and theologians sought simply
to label
this simple biblical faith: Jesus said that bread is
his body and
wine is his blood even though it did not appear to
change into
visible flesh and blood.
Transubstantiation means that
the
substance part of the bread and wine elements
changes;
bread becomes Jesus' body and wine becomes
Jesus'
blood;
but
the accidental parts--sight, taste, smell, touch of
bread
and wine--do not.
Catholics believe that since Jesus said it and He is
God,
he can do it. They believe!
"Transubstantiation" merely labels it.
In everyday life, it is not at all uncommon to
believe in things
people cannot perceive by the senses: wind,
electricity, love,
peace, etc. All the more when Jesus says it.
