Reverence for the Eucharist

In this episode, Pelar Esshaki and Jeff Kassab dig into a striking Pew Research study revealing that a majority of American Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist — the core teaching that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass. Instead, most surveyed Catholics view Communion as merely a symbolic gesture, a finding that cuts against nearly two thousand years of Church teaching and should give every Catholic pause. Pelar and Jeff unpack what's behind this widespread confusion or disbelief, and turn their attention to something just as troubling: the everyday lack of reverence shown toward the Eucharist in parishes across the country. From casual reception of Communion to a general drift away from traditional signs of respect and awe at Mass, they explore how these habits both reflect and reinforce the erosion of belief the Pew study uncovered. This is a conversation about catechesis, culture, and what's at stake when the source and summit of the Catholic faith gets treated as just another routine. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, someone exploring the faith, or just curious about what the data says, this episode offers an honest look at where things stand — and why it matters.