Manna was replaced with the Eucharist

“Lo! over ancient forms departing / Newer rites of grace prevail” (Tantum Ergo)

In the book of Exodus, we find the story of Moses leading God’s people out of the hands of the Egyptians and towards the Promised Land. Along the way we find them stuck in the desert, wandering without food. But God takes care of this, giving them manna, bread from heaven. But this was only for their physical nourishment.

Today we find ourselves in a similar situation, traveling through this desert we call life on earth in search for Christ and eternal life. And we need food if we are to survive. So through the Paschal Mystery, Christ turned bread into himself for us to feast on and find nourishment. But this nourishment is not just for our physical body but also for our soul! We are offered this Bread from Heaven every day. Who could refuse it? Who could ever refuse the invitation to actually stand in the true presence of Christ and receive him physically into our bodies becoming him to others? Who could ever refuse the invitation to pray in his presence at Mass or in Adoration? I can’t seem to take my eyes off of him. And further, all I can think about is sharing him with others!

The rites of the Old Testament were never abolished. They have been fulfilled in the eternal action of one person—Jesus Christ.