Communion, erm... will it be the same anyway?

[Zundrah]

If He can only be received at Mass, then it has been more than half my life since I received Him!

Same here, except that I was athiest only 2 years ago, and protestant only 6 months ago! :whacky: And you wondered why I seemed a bit mad sometimes!

Do you want to tell me what’s holding you back?

:nope:

Or should I tell you, first?

:yup:

Or should we both keep those cats in their bags?

Would that be wise?

(Don’t worry, I won’t get all Monty Python on you in this discussion!)

Please don’t! :bigyikes:

 

[spockrates]

Same here, except that I was athiest only 2 years ago, and protestant only 6 months ago! :whacky: And you wondered why I seemed a bit mad sometimes!

Well, my friend Zune (is it OK if I use that nickname?) I suppose the first thing is that I don’t know if Jesus’ words in John’s gospel are enough. Some Protestants, and even some Catholics, tell me John did not even write the gospel that bears his name. I’m not sure they are correct, however, as their evidence seems subjective and circumstantial, at best.

The second thing (and far more important) is my relationship with my wife. Her father was an abusive drunk, who used to get soused with the local parish priest and then beat her brothers after the guy went home. She has a kind of hatred for her father, which includes a hatred of the Catholic Church.

Now that I’ve told you this, please don’t feel obligated to share with me! I’m the kind of guy that does not care what people think of me, but I suppose I’m somewhat like Spock, that way–an alien among humans.

 

[spockrates]

Thank you, JC. Are you privy to what Vatican II said on the subject? My understanding was that there was more acceptance of the idea that those Protestants outside the Catholic Church might be saved from damnation? Would those who presided over Vatican II say that someone like me or Zune will, at the very least, receive Purgatory and a chance to work our way to heaven?

 

[spockrates]

It is merely a piece of bread.

Philo:

Would you say the Eucharist is a requirement to escape hell? Or do you think that Protestants who receive merely bread have a chance of making it to heaven, albeit by way of Purgatory?

 

[spockrates]

FYI:

Less than 7 days until Christmas. Better get your last minute shopping done!

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Philo:

Would you say the Eucharist is a requirement to escape hell? Or do you think that Protestants who receive merely bread have a chance of making it to heaven, albeit by way of Purgatory?

I think “a requirement to escape hell” is a very negative way to put it. The Eucharist is the very best way to develop a loving, intimate relationship with Christ. When we receive Communion, Jesus gives Himself to us completely, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. And at the same moment we should be giving ourselves to Him completely.

We begin on earth the relationship that will continue for all eternity. If we love Him the best way we can here on earth (the way He laid out for us, not “our own way”), we will be with Him for all eternity (heaven). If we separate ourselves from Him by sin, reject Him, intentionally disregard the sacraments He has given us for our salvation, that non-relationship will continue for eternity (hell).

Those who know that the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus founded are obligated to do whatever is in their power to unite themselves with the Church and make use of the gifts God has given us in the Sacraments. Failure to do so may put their salvation in jeopardy. (Only God can be the final Judge for any individual.)

Those who, through no fault of their own (e.g., invincible ignorance), do not understand the importance of being united with the Church and partaking in the Sacraments Christ gave us might have the possibility of salvation if they seek God in the best way they are able.

 

[spockrates]

Sorry, all. My new friend Zune has been temporarily banned from the forum. Out of love for her, and appreciation for her friendship, I cannot in good conscience participate in a discussion that she started, but is no longer allowed to continue.