Christ frequently and naturally referenced Jewish traditions and metaphors. He is now the Living Bread in the Eucharist. The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is taken only after repentance and forgiveness by those to whom that authority was given. Christ told the lepers to first go show themselves to the High Priests. Leprosy was a metaphor for sins of the flesh.
I know that the Catholic church believes that through some kind of time warp/magic act by the priest that their Eucharist/communion becomes the actual flesh and blood of Christ. THAT belief is based on an idea that a person needs to physically eat Jesus. That’s the same misconception documented in John, that’s barbaric, and it contradicts many other parts of Scripture.
Now I agree that during the rememberance of communion should be taken seriously and repentance is good to do before partaking, but recall that Jesus is now our Chief Priest and we can go to him and confess our sins, we don’t need to go to a priest to do that.