Matthew 26:26–28

The Lord gives thanks when he takes the cup — that is, in the form of prayer he converses with God the Father, declaring him as it were sharer and co-approver of the life-giving blessing that will be given to us, and at the same time giving us a pattern first to give thanks and thus to break the bread and distribute it. That is why we too, setting what was said before God’s face, beg intently that it be remolded for us into the spiritual blessing, so that by partaking of them we may be sanctified bodily and spiritually. He said demonstratively, “This is my body” (Matthew 26:26–28) and “This is my blood,” so that you may not think what appears is a mere type, but that through some ineffable energy of the God who can do all things what has been brought forward is truly changed into the body and blood of Christ — of which, when we partake, we take in Christ’s life-giving and sanctifying power. For it was necessary that he be mingled in us in a God-befitting way through the Holy Spirit, as it were with our bodies through his holy flesh and precious blood. And these we have also received as a life-giving blessing in bread and wine, so that we may not shrink when we see flesh and blood lying before us on the holy tables of the churches. For God, adjusting himself to our weaknesses, sends into what lies before us a power of life and transfers them toward the energy of his own life. And do not doubt that this is true when he says clearly, “This is my body” and “This is my blood”; rather receive the Savior’s word by faith, for being truth he does not lie.