But it is time now to approach this dreadful table. Let us all, therefore, come forward with the appropriate sobriety and alertness. And let no one be a Judas any longer, let no one be wicked, let no one have an infection, carrying different things on the lips and in the mind. Christ is present, and the same one who adorned that table is adorning this one now. For it is not a man who performs the transformation of the things set before us into the body and blood of Christ, but Christ Himself, who was crucified for us.
The priest stands fulfilling the outward form, uttering those words, but the power and grace of God are at work. "This is my body," he says. This word accomplishes the things set before us, just as that voice saying, "Increase and multiply, and fill the earth," was spoken once, but continually, throughout all time, empowers our nature for procreation. In the same way, this voice spoken once at every table in the churches, from that time until now, and until His own coming, accomplishes the sacrifice. Therefore, let no one be deceitful, let no one be wicked.—St. John Chrysostom, Prod. Judas 1:6 (PG 49,380)
The priest stands fulfilling the outward form, uttering those words, but the power and grace of God are at work. "This is my body," he says. This word accomplishes the things set before us, just as that voice saying, "Increase and multiply, and fill the earth," was spoken once, but continually, throughout all time, empowers our nature for procreation. In the same way, this voice spoken once at every table in the churches, from that time until now, and until His own coming, accomplishes the sacrifice. Therefore, let no one be deceitful, let no one be wicked.—St. John Chrysostom, Prod. Judas 1:6 (PG 49,380)
This is an important passage from an Eastern father that attributes the consecration of the elements to the Words of Christ rather to the epiclesis (which is certainly taught in St. Cyril of Jerusalem). John’s approach rather aligns with that of St. Ambrose.
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