Continuing our reflections on the history of Eucharistic Adoration in this year of Eucharistic Renewal, we remember that the Eucharist is food (Take and eat; Take and drink). The Holy Eucharist is literally and really the Real Presence of Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity. Again, the concern is that some 67% of Catholics, despite the overwhelming scriptural evidence, think it is only a symbol. Why would we adore and carry in procession a symbol?
I think a good source for a complete scholarly study of the history of Eucharistic adoration is The History of Eucharistic Adoration: Development of Doctrine in the Catholic Church by John A. Hardon, S.J. on www.ewtn.com
Saint James Catholic Church 