The Eucharist Is Really Jesus- How Christ’s Body and Blood Are the Key to Everything We Believe

by Joe Heschmeyer

When the resurrected Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they didn’t know him. He was there in the flesh, talking, teaching, but they didn’t recognize him. Until the breaking of the bread. Then their eyes were open, and everything fell into place. The same is true today. When we recognize Jesus in the bread of the Holy Eucharist―when we understand that it’s really Jesus―our eyes of faith are opened, and the mysteries of the Christian life are unlocked. In The Eucharist Is Really Jesus, author Joe Heschmeyer first explains how Catholic belief in the Eucharist is biblical and reasonable. If you’re used to thinking of Communion as a purely symbolic ritual, you’ll find here a compelling defense of the ancient doctrine of the Real Presence. But even if you already believe it, Heschmeyer shows how that’s not an end, but just the beginning. Knowing that the Eucharist is really Jesus becomes a master key to -The cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday -How to worship God in spirit and truth, according to the Bible -The meaning of our own bodies and their immortal destiny -How to love God and each other every day, like the saints …and more essential aspects of our lifelong walk with Jesus. Like those disciples on their way to Emmaus, we don’t truly know Jesus apart from the broken bread, because the fullness of his truth remains locked away. The Eucharist Is Really Jesus will give you the key.

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic

174 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

Kansas City native Joe Heschmeyer is a staff apologist for Catholic Answers. A popular author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster, he joined the apostolate in March 2021 after three years as an instructor at Holy Family School of Faith in Overland Park, Kan.

While at School of Faith, Joe focused primarily on formation for the Kansas City Archdiocese’s elementary and high school teachers. He also spent a year helping to manage the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program.

Prior to his work at School of Faith, he discerned the priesthood from 2012-17 for the Archdiocese of Kansas City. During that time, he earned both a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and a baccalaureate degree in sacred theology (S.T.B.) from Rome’s Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).

A regular contributor to Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers Focus, and Catholic Answers Magazine (print and online) even before joining the apostolate, Joe has blogged at his own “Shameless Popery” website and co-hosted a weekly show called “The Catholic Podcast.”

To date, he has authored three books, including Pope Peter for Catholic Answers Press.

A former practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., Joe received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University in 2010 after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Topeka’s Washburn University.

Joe and his wife, Anna, along with their daughter Stella (and a yet-unnamed unborn baby on the way!) reside in the Kansas City area. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and tormenting his loved ones with terrible puns.

If you are interested in booking Joe Heschmeyer for an upcoming event, please contact Catholic Answers at (619) 387-7200 x323 or click here for more information.

Reviews

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good. Deo gratias. Joe presents everything in such meticulous detail, in a respectful, not cheesy way. It was so neat to see so many Protestant theologians and preachers quoted and not snubbed but respectfully engaged. It helped me delve deeper into my own faith. True apologetics.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I was baptized catholic but didn’t grow up in the faith. I found my faith again in my freshman year of college and have been called back to the Catholic faith. This book is was amazing for helping me understand the Eucharist and just how important it is. This is a book that I will definitely be reading again and often. Pray for me!

[April Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eucharist is Really Jesus is a defense of the Good News of Christ's presence in the Most Holy Sacrament that begs to be shared. I received a copy of the book as a gift and was excited to pass it on when I was finished. It was the epitome of a "good read." Give it a try!

[Kimberly Placke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly easy read. It summarized well why Catholics believe the Eucharist is really Jesus.

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of why we know the proposition in the title is true.

[Mary Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler alert: It really is the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!