Consider likewise that when Christ blessed the bread and
gave it to His disciples, saying, “this is My body”, [Matt. 26:26] He was
visibly and distinctly present with them in person and in body, and was not
transformed into bread and wine. Had He become the bread and wine itself, He
could not have remained distinctly present before them in body and in person.
It is therefore clear that the bread and wine were symbols,
meaning: My grace and My perfections have been given you, and since you have
partaken of this manifold grace, you have attained everlasting life and
received your share and portion of the heavenly sustenance.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ –
2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
