according to the roman catholic church, the eucharist is the true presence of jesus christ, the son of god. during a mass, through the act of transubstantiation, the bread and wine offered change, and are no longer bread and wine. they become the body and blood of jesus christ. the bread and wine do not change appearance, but they are the body and blood of jesus christ, which catholics in good standing (not in the state of mortal sin) come and receive christ—they consume him. this follows what was said by christ "eat my body and drink my blood" (john ch.6). most protestant denominations believe that this was meant as a symbol, while the catholic church bases its beliefs on the tradition handed down through the church.