The Hidden Manna: A Theology of the Eucharist

by James T. O'Connor

The Hidden Manna has become a classic on Eucharistic teaching. Now in a second edition, accompanied by a new introduction by Fr. Kenneth Baker, a new preface from the author, new material from John Paul II, and the original foreword by Cardinal John O'Connor, this in-depth study lets the breadth and richness of the Church's Tradition speak for itself. Fr. O'Connor presents and comments on substantial excerpts from the major sources of the Church's Tradition extending all the way back to apostolic times. Focusing on the doctrine of the Real Presence, he follows the earliest witnesses through the challenge in the Middle Ages of Berengarius through the Protestant Reformation and modern disputes.

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality

376 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1989

About the author

He was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, New York. After completing studies at St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, New York, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Francis Cardinal Spellman on May 28, 1966 in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

After ordination he studied Spanish in the University of Puerto Rico. Upon his return he was assigned as Parochial Vicar to the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in the South Bronx. In September 1969 he was sent to Rome for Post Graduate Studies at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum).

Upon returning from Rome he was assigned to the Faculty of St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers. He was appointed to the Board of Archdiocesan Censors, the Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary for the Archdiocese of New York and the Regional Senatus.

He was named a Monsignor in 1990. Ater 22 years teaching at the Seminary he was named the Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Millbrook, New York on July 1, 1994 until his retirement on July 1, 2014.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book to gain background knowledge for a talk I was giving in April 2015. The talk came and went before I was halfway through O’Connor’s magnum opus. Although this monumental work couldn't be incorporated into my presentation I continued reading. Closing the cover, I can scarcely give it too high an endorsement; I am so grateful for having read The Hidden Manna: A Theology of the Eucharist.

If you ever desire to understand the great Catholic Mysterium Fidei, Mystery of Faith, O’Connor’s book is a must. It was full of surprises. Rather than answers, it begs to marvel and wonder. There are endless mysteries concerning the Eucharist—possibly more now than when Christ said, “This is My Body. This is My Blood.” With each question we presumably settle, new issues arise.

The 2000 year history explored by O’Connor has been one of evolving, deepening awareness. Sometimes this reminded of a massive cave where dedicated explorers continually discover new passageways revealing chasms never imagined by previous generations. Other times it resembled an enormous tree growing at a prodigious rate, ever producing fresh branches.

Here are just a few of the many things which stood out for me:

1. ‘The Eucharist is Jesus himself; it is sacrifice, thanksgiving, the cause of unity of the Church, spiritual medicine, pledge of Resurrection, and model for Christians to imitate.’ p.17

2. ‘This food we call Eucharist, which no one is allowed to share except the one who believes that our teaching is true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and so lives as Christ has handed down.’ St. Justin Martyr, The First Apology 150 AD p.19

3. ‘For by the LORD’s own word and by our faith [we know] that it is truly flesh and truly blood. And when we have received and drunk these realities it comes about that we are in Christ and Christ is in us. Is this not the truth? Let it happen that those who deny that Christ is God deny this also. He is in us through his Flesh, and we are in him, and that by which we are with him is in God.’ St. Hilary of Poitiers, 246 AD, p.26

4. Understanding of the Eucharist has always been evolving as mentioned above, not only in the Church as a whole but also for individuals, especially those who communicated frequently. This is evidenced in the writings of Sts. Augustine and Aquinas whose perspectives underwent changes. Four years before his death Augustine wrote his Retractions, a retrospective re-reading and review of all of his written works. He was working on the same for his letters and sermons at his death. By the end of his life Aquinas’s view of Communion had changed from ‘a means to acquire grace’ to ‘our mystical union with Christ’. In other words, he went from thing-oriented to Person-centered. No small change. Readers of these Doctors of the Church need be conversant about these cognitive shifts, especially when quoting these sources.

5. ‘The word Ultraquist refers to “both forms” of the Eucharist and came to signify the movement to restore reception of the Eucharistic cup to all the faithful.’ p.130

6. ‘For a Catholic it is both sad and instructive to note that most of the leaders of those who dissented from Catholic doctrine on the Eucharist belonged to the Catholic clergy in all ranks.’ p.163

7. This section on the extensive explanation of the benefits and graces that flow from the Mass was very educational for me, as I think it would be for most. pp. 300-325.

8. ‘Through the Sacrament, he draws to himself those who communicate, for in eating this Food we are changed into it, not it into us. Even upon those who do not receive him sacramentally or receive him unworthily he works mysteriously, drawing them to repentance, to the Christian Faith, and to Catholic unity by means of the Spirit, which he mysteriously breathes forth in the Eucharist.’ p.299

9. Since Christ’s death and resurrection the Church has struggled to comprehend this unfathomable Gift of the Body and Blood of Our LORD and Savior, reluctant to proclaim definitively what it is. Her saints, mystics and devotees have pushed for definitions. Heresies and crises have driven the need for clarification and guidance.

Today, most Catholics don’t even know Eucharistic doctrine, or if they do, they only partially understand it, and/or they don't believe/follow the teachings. After all our ancestors went through to discover, clarify and uphold these truths this strikes me as incredibly sad.

When I gave my talk on the Eucharist back in April, one of my objectives was to be as matter-of-fact as possible knowing too much enthusiasm/emotionalism is worse than too little. The audience seemed favorably disposed at the time. Later the group coordinator said I was ‘passionate’ about my subject. I’m glad my true beliefs came through despite my best efforts to hide them.

I cannot recommend this book – or sacrament – too highly.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding work on the theology of the Eucharist. Fr. O'Connor works through the history and development of the doctrine of the Eucharist, what the Fathers had to say about it, the beginnings and development of dissent regarding the true nature of the Eucharist, the post-Patristic popes continuing insights all the way through JPII (this edition came out in 2005 just before his death). The last chapter, Mysterium Fidei, is excellent but profound and deep; it requires a slow and careful reading. Nevertheless, this work is accessible to the educated and engaged person who wants a thorough overview of the history and doctrine of the Eucharist. It should be on the bookshelf of every serious Christian.

[Jacob Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential read for anyone who needs to teach, debate, or think in-depth about the Eucharist. It follows the elaboration of church teaching from the Biblical period to the present, examining every major debate and heresy along the way. The book concludes with the author's own profound and inspiring synthesis of Eucharistic theology, with the last few pages examining the intriguing speculative question of Mary's role in the Eucharistic mystery. Highly recommended, and well worth the time.

[Michael Vidrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic systematic work on the Eucharist, split into four parts: it starts with a synthesis of the Fathers on the Sacrament, with O’Connor’s insightful commentary; then a both thorough and succinct account of the major Eucharistic controversies through history, and how they came about; then a history of the Magisterial teachings on the Eucharist; finally ending with some systematic reflections on a matured and orthodox theology of the Eucharist, leaning upon some unsuspecting literary giants as Tolkien and Tolstoy to help articulate his points. All the while, O’Connor affectively communicates the beauty of the Eucharistic mystery in a way that makes my heart burn.

[David Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Connor writes lucidly about the Roman Catholic view of the Eucharist. I found the book to be extremely thought-provoking and helpful in thinking through the Supper as a Presbyterian. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wishes to seriously investigate and consider a Roman Catholic view of the Supper which is current and not restricted to quotations from Trent.

[Richard Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit heavy reading about the Eucharist but for a good Catholic a good reminder of what Communion is all about. Should be required reading for every Knight.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Theology

A very detailed and historical account of Eucharistic Theology. I highly recommend to any reader that wants to understand the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

[Chad Toney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical and theological review on the Eucharist. I'm not sure how much of this helpful info I retained. Definitely a book to read again in the near future and to have on hand as a reference.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information and excellent source material readings. However, O'Connor's relentless attempt to show that 'Real Presence' is central and early in the Church (which it is) often foregoes metaphysical subtleties that drastically distinguishes thinkers he presents as very similar.

[Erik]

Listed by Patrick Madrid in the Reading Plan of Search and Rescue in Phase 2 (Intermediate).

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glimpses into the early church should be invaluable to today's christians who are so far removed from the culture. This book has many of those "glimpses."

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and readable study into the theology of the Eucharist.