Bad to recieve the Eucharist everyweek?

[holy_wood]

I am in a discussion with a protestant friend of mine and he said

" What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made, “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?"

How do I respond to this?

 

[revelations]

I am sure there are others here who will have better answers than i, but i’ll give it a go.

I would say go to communion every day! I try to, it’s hardly enough. Communion doesn’t keep one from sinning. Communion truly is (in the Catholic Church) the body and blood of Christ, and truly according to what our Lord says, we must consume his body and blood to have eternal life. In the communion host, is Jesus hidden waiting to shower us with infinite graces. We receive grace according to our disposition. Meaning, if we are stained with sin we have a broken relationship with the Lord, and we can’t handle all the grace he wants to give us.

Sure, there is contained in valid communion all the grace the world needs. Jesus wants to give it all to us, but no matter how much we want it we are so damaged that to receive it all at once would be insane. One little bit at a time, weekly communion reminds us constantly of the sacrifice of Christ, and it slowly helps us to renew ourselves and change our ways.

Communion with the Lord isn’t a one time thing, it is part of the path.

 

[holy_wood]

He also said

I agree on the point that God is neither male or female. But Gods image is male and female. Jesus taught us about Father, and fathers have children. But can fathers give birth to children?

The Spirit and the bride are God the Mother and God the Father. Rev 22:17. The bride is the church, scripture does say that, but Paul also says that is a mystery. Eph 5:32. In the context of Revelations the bride is God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Rev 21:6 "I am the alpha and the omega…I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirst. We mortals thirst for eternal life, only God gives the water of life. The bride in the context of people cant, right?

The bride comes from heaven. Rev 3:12 "I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and I will write on him My new name. The bride as the church is on earth right?

Jesus personifies Himself “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up”
In the same way,the Apostle Paul writes the Heavenly Jerusalem is the Mother of our spirits. Gal 4:26. She happens to be personified as Jerusalem.

In Rev 19:9, God tells us “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” Does a bride need to be invited to the wedding banquet? I would beg to differ. It is the guest, who are invited. Mark 2:19 Jesus says “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them?” The disciples were the friends who are “called”. They can not the bride. They are blessed because they will receive the water of life after the marriage.

It is Gods will that a man and woman be married before having children. After marriage man and woman come together to create life, but it is the mother who gives life to the children.

Gal 4:26 The Jerusalem above (meaning heaven) is free, which is the mother of us all. She will give us eternal life in the last day, the Day of the Lord, as prophesied by Zechariah 14:8. “And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,” This is the last day, Day of Judgement. We can confirm this with Zech 14:12 “…Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet…” This is no other than God coming with fire, as He says to destroy the world with intense heat. This day has not yet come, so we can belive that the living waters will come before the destruction.

We must go to Jerusalem, according to the scripture, to recieve the living water.

By receiving the New Jerusalem you will also receive the New Name of Jesus Christ. This is the name of the Holy Spirit. We need His Name because we are in the age of the Holy Spirit and salvation is given through the New Name. That is why Rev 22:17, says the Spirit(Holy) and the bride

What is the name of the Spirit, because we need to call upon that name for salvation. Acts 4:12. When Jesus, the Son, appeared He taught people that to be saved you must call on His name. But many people called on the name of the Father, Jehovah, instead. Do you think they (Pharisees) were saved? We must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The name of the Father is Jehovah, name of the Son is Jesus, and the name of the Holy Spirit, is Ahnsahnghong. He restored the truth of the feast of God and brought back the Passover. This is the New Name that Jesus will give to those who receive it. Rev 2:17

All three persons of the trinity bring us salvation by giving us the Passover, its an important feast to God, and its His will, for the plagues to pass over us.

Revelations is a book of prophecy that will take place on earth. These words are being fulfilled one by one. Lets confirm. Rev 13:8. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him…” Clearly, this has to take place on earth, before the destruction. Even the plagues and bowls of wrath must be poured out and have been. Brother Terence we are close to the end and must seek out our own salvation.

We can be saved by coming out of Babylon the great.
Rev 18:4 “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues”
We must find out who is “her” so we can come out right?
Rev 18:24 “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth”

 

[Tonks40]

I am in a discussion with a protestant friend of mine and he said:

“What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made, “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?”

First off, I would say that receiving the Eucharist renews us in that it give us not only the graces to continue to live righteously, but it also helps us live IN Christ, just as Christ lives in us. Receiving is also renewing the covenant Christ made with us, through his suffering, death, and resurrection. It sustains us. How can we continue to live in Christ when we don’t regularly receive Him?

Besides, you cannot receive forgiveness of sins unless you confess and have true contrition of your sins. Being in a state of grace to receive is to receive in a worthy manner.

You can’t use the Eucharist as your “last-ditch” effort to be saved, IOW.

 

[idrum677]

First off, I would say that receiving the Eucharist renews us in that it give us not only the graces to continue to live righteously, but it also helps us live IN Christ, just as Christ lives in us. Receiving is also renewing the covenant Christ made with us, through his suffering, death, and resurrection. It sustains us. How can we continue to live in Christ when we don’t regularly receive Him?

Besides, you cannot receive forgiveness of sins unless you confess and have true contrition of your sins. Being in a state of grace to receive is to receive in a worthy manner.

You can’t use the Eucharist as your “last-ditch” effort to be saved, IOW.

Well said.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

he said

" What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made… “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?"

How do I respond to this?

These statements indicate the fellow does not understand Catholic communion. Communion is not were the dirty get clean. He maybe inferring communion renews baptism however that would also be a misunderstanding. Communion is our covenant with the Lord. We are to live as instructed, pray, worship, and keep our new covenant. Had Jesus not installed the new covenant we would still be burning animals on the altar. We have to be careful as your friend may well be a great person. I would suggest we explain that the Eucharist is more like praying which is best done often, and was never intended as an annual event.

 

[po18guy]

I am in a discussion with a protestant friend of mine and he said

" What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made, “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?"How do I respond to this?

The Lord Himself sent this man to you, as a sign that you are to know the reasons for the hope you have in Christ

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”.

This is a great opportunity to explain (apologize) your faith! If you want to read an email to him, that is one form of response. But, he will then argue that and you will again be stumped. Remember that many (not all) Protestants use their own interpretation of scripture, which does not agree with thousands of other denominations, let alone Catholicism. Many also lack most of the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and will not know what on earth you are speaking of. This Is My Body, a 50 page book by Mark P. Shea, is excellent in this regard and will lead both of you to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. Read it and then give it to him.

The simple (but time consuming) response is to read and study, read and study, read and study your faith. Listen to Catholic radio, read orthodox Catholic publications, many of which are available right her from Catholic Answers.

shop.catholic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/shophome.html?E+scstore

Then, you can respond convincingly on the spot to each of his assertions. Use scripture, as that is all he trusts. You are engaging in a debate, and this is not a simple task. If you are up to it, give yourself a little time to learn and then respond from a base of knowledge. Pray for him daily until that day comes.

Know that the Holy Spirit illumines and converts hearts, not you or I.

Christ’s peace be always with you.

 

[mangy_dog]

I am in a discussion with a protestant friend of mine and he said

" What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made, “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?"

How do I respond to this?

Confession every week!

That is the real sign of a committed catholic.

The Lord gave us the Sacrament of Confession so that we would be able to take His Body and Blood and not be taking our own condemnation.

Do the basic catholic things really well and you will have tapped into a renewable source of grace!

Gospa Mir!!

 

[po18guy]

Confession every week!

That is the real sign of a committed catholic.

The Lord gave us the Sacrament of Confession so that we would be able to take His Body and Blood and not be taking our own condemnation.

Do the basic catholic things really well and you will have tapped into a renewable source of grace!

Gospa Mir!!

Many Protestants have admitted that post-Baptismal forgiveness of sin is problematic with them. It is the elephant in the living room of those churches.

Christ’s peace.

 

[mangy_dog]

Many Protestants have admitted that post-Baptismal forgiveness of sin is problematic with them. It is the elephant in the living room of those churches.

Christ’s peace.

We as catholics must become comfortable with being able to explain, teach and defend the basics of our faith.

Confession (unfortunately not for many catholics) is as basic as you get in catholicism.

It is a renewable source of grace! Instituted by Christ Himself - and it goes hand in hand with recieving communion.

For those of us who are attempting to bring protestant christians back to the One, True Cathoic Church - there is the eventual conversation about the priestly powers inherent in their ordination.

The power to consecrate; the power to forgive sins and others…

The upfront method is what works for me. I either know the answer and here it is or I don’t know the answer and this is Father O’herlihy, he will explain it to you.

You will not win everyone over…some will require a miracle from God Himself. It is not our place to supervise the growth of the seed…we just plant it.

Don’t compromise or water down your faith for the sake of making a supernatural or dogmatic issue palatable for someone.

It will be like omitting a truth that you’ll eventually have to speak-up about…and it may or may not be well recieved after the fact. You’ll come across as a liar or as an “exclusive insider” - alienating the person.

I prefer to tell anyone that the Rosary was revealed to St. Dominic in its current format, in an apparition of the Virgin Mary back in the 1200’s… than to go into a historical comparison of jewish beads, muslim beads, buddhist beads etc etc.

Why hold back what I hold dear and near to my heart and soul?

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

 

[po18guy]

We as catholics must become comfortable with being able to explain, teach and defend the basics of our faith.

Confession (unfortunately not for many catholics) is as basic as you get in catholicism.

It is a renewable source of grace! Instituted by Christ Himself - and it goes hand in hand with recieving communion.

For those of us who are attempting to bring protestant christians back to the One, True Cathoic Church - there is the eventual conversation about the priestly powers inherent in their ordination.

The power to consecrate; the power to forgive sins and others…

The upfront method is what works for me. I either know the answer and here it is or I don’t know the answer and this is Father O’herlihy, he will explain it to you.

You will not win everyone over…some will require a miracle from God Himself. It is not our place to supervise the growth of the seed…we just plant it.

Don’t compromise or water down your faith for the sake of making a supernatural or dogmatic issue palatable for someone.

It will be like omitting a truth that you’ll eventually have to speak-up about…and it may or may not be well recieved after the fact. You’ll come across as a liar or as an “exclusive insider” - alienating the person.

I prefer to tell anyone that the Rosary was revealed to St. Dominic in its current format, in an apparition of the Virgin Mary back in the 1200’s… than to go into a historical comparison of jewish beads, muslim beads, buddhist beads etc etc.

Why hold back what I hold dear and near to my heart and soul?

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

Amen. Well said.

 

[stbruno]

catholicscomehome.org/not-Catholic.phtml

Check out this website for resources to use in your discussion. And if your Protestant friend is open to learning more about Catholicism, tell him this website is available.

 

[EasterJoy]

This is a draft of what I’m teaching kids who are preparing for their first Communion. It is my attempt to pull ideas from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and put them in a child’s language.

If you don’t have a Compendium and a Catechism, by all means get these. If you can’t afford one, the Vatican has these texts posted online. Google will get you there. The texts are copyrighted, but they are posted so that you can cut and paste text out of them. In other words, if you respect copyright use laws, you can download them to read.

What does receiving Holy Communion do for us?

At Baptism, we became one in the Body of Christ, and received God’s life.
This life is kept alive and renewed by Holy Communion.

The Eucharist ties us all together into one.
It does not only make us one with the people at Mass with us or even just with all the other Catholics all over the world. It also makes us one with Jesus Christ at God’s right hand in Heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints!

**Holy Communion gives us every grace and blessing. **
It especially gives us the strength to serve God in this life, helps us to want to be with God forever, and gets us ready for Heaven.

**Holy Communion helps us grow in love for our neighbor. **
It strengthens us in love, wipes away our less serious (venial) sins and helps to keep us from all types of sin in the future, including serious (mortal) sin.

Holy Communion wipes away less serious sins. I haven’t committed a mortal sin. Why should I even go to confession at all?

Going to confession is a very good habit, even when you haven’t committed a mortal sin. Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation not only to wipe away your sins, but also as a special help to make better choices. It helps to form your conscience, the inner voice that tells you right from wrong. It allows you to be healed by Christ. It helps you to sin less and to live your love for God and others more than if you did not go to confession.

 

[EasterJoy]

I am in a discussion with a protestant friend of mine and he said

" What do you think about this statement that a catholic friend of mines made, “We need communion every week because we sin everyweek.” I think that the Blood and Flesh of God is powerful enough to cleanse us from sin the first time. If not, then can the flesh and blood can only keep us clean for a week at a time, or not at all? To me, if communion/lords supper is what is true, then do we need it right before the world is destroyed to receive forgiveness of sins?"

How do I respond to this?

As to your question, an on-going need to return to God and ask forgiveness for sin is only one reason to receive Holy Communion. The statement, in other words, is not untrue, but rather incomplete. That incompleteness may be misleading, if taken as if it were the entire answer.

One of the signs of life is that nourishment is required. If you don’t need nourishment, you’re dead (well, OK, I suppose it could be argued that this does not describe the Author of Life, but that would be the exception that proves the rule, wouldn’t it?) Even nourishment and cleansing don’t cover all the reasons for receiving Holy Communion, though, not even on a 2nd grade level of understanding.

Go to the Compendium. It is a beautiful distillation of the answers that you’re looking for, and much more.