Can you help me understand the effects of desecration vs. adoration?

[LordNecro]

I remember seeing the PZ Meyers thing online a while ago, when he supposedly desecrated the Body of Christ by putting a nail through it. I read somewhere that this did no actual harm to Christ, which I thought was fine.

But why is it then that when we worship Him at Adoration, this is actual worship rather than idolatry?

Basically - why is that negative things have no effect, but positive things do?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Since Jesus rose from the dead, nothing can physically injure Him again. He has what we call a glorified body. St. Thomas Aquinas calls the Eucharist His greatest miracle. It IS a miracle. When we consume the Eucharist we are eating His body and drinking His blood under the appearances of bread and wine—not under the appearance of His human form. It is without a doubt a mystery which we don’t expect to fully understand this side of heaven.

To drive a nail through the host does Jesus no physical harm, but it does show Him disrespect and dishonor. Such behavior is truly vile. For us to dishonor Him does Him no harm, but does great harm to ourselves.

Similarly, showing Him honor and respect doesn’t add to His glory, but it is the very best thing we can do for ourselves.

So both negative and positive things have effect—but on us rather than on Him.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.