1. Instituted probably within the framework of the paschal meal, the Eucharist has retained the structure of a meal in which Christ gives himself to his own, under the twofold appearances of bread and wine, as their food and drink. By eating his flesh and drinking his blood the faithful attain the unity with him which confers on them eternal life. The eucharistic discourse (Jn 6:51, 53, 54, 56) affirms in realistic terms the necessity of the reception of the Eucharist for salvation. If the matte…