Denied communion thought not a protestant

[reggie]

Mathew,

You say that God didn’t create this division of denominations and you are absolutely correct in that. Men created this disunion and continues to do so each time someone interprets the Word differently from the Church.

You say that you don’t believe that the Catholic Church is the ONE church, that the church is the community of believers and nothing more. In Scripture we are told that the church is the foundation and pillar of truth, which church is that? When all disagree on doctrine, which is right? To whom can we turn for truth. You say, Jesus, and you are right. But, we don’t have Jesus here to teach us as He did the Apostles. Every denomination believes it alone teaches the truth. Given that there is so much disparity in doctrine, how can they all be truth?
So, did Jesus leave us here to fend for ourselves? The Catholic Church says no, He founded the Church, not a denomination and all others are part of that Church to a varying degree. Some are in full communion but all are members of Christ’s Body because of their baptism in that they desire to follow Jesus and do what is right in the sight of God, they are members of the church; just not in full communion.

We know that as early as 150AD that St. Justin the Martyr wrote of the Lord’s Supper and who was and was not worthy to partake. This is only a matter of a generation after the death of St. John the Apostle. Do you think that the practice of the Lord’s Supper had changed that much in so few years? I encourage you to find and read what St. Justin wrote. He is considered the first Catholic Apologist.

All this being said I have two questions for you that, to me, are the heart of all this. Do you truly believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist? Do you truly believe that when you receive communion you are taking part in the once for all sacrifice of Jesus? If the answers to these two questions is yes, then why if you can accept these most profound and intense Truths from the Catholic Church do you find it so much harder to accept other Truths from the Church?

I have heard it said that it is difficult to believe because it is difficult to obey. It is difficult to give yourself up to the authority of the Church, especially in this day of such personal autonamy.

Just to let you know, I am a cradly Catholic who lapsed for 20 years and returned just in the last few years. I cannot receive communion until my marriage is blessed (which is in the works to happen very soon, Praise God!). It is difficult to wait, but I accept that what the Church tells me about the Eucharist as absolute Truth, therefore, I accept all the rest as well. I could easily have gone to another church where I am not known and receive, but I know in my heart that it would be wrong to do so.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Didi:

When a person receives Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, that person is saying that they agree with all the Catholic Church professes to believe. If this is so, then they should be Catholic. The person is also to understand that this is the True Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ and not something to be taken lightly as St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:27: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.” You cannot sin against a mere symbol, This is Truly Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Also, just as when a man and wife profess before God and the Church their vows to be true to each other, and this is done before the consummation of the marriage; so a person must profess their faith in Jesus and His Church before consummating that relationship by receiving Jesus’ flesh.

The trouble is that the Church sometimes ignores its own teaching & discipline: which completely destroys its credibility - as when Cardinal Ratzinger gave the late Brother Roger Schutz (the founder of the community at Taize) Communion.​

Members of the Polish National Catholic Church are not Catholics - no more or less than the SSPX are: yet members of the PNCC can receive the Eucharist.

The position and discipline and doctrine of the Church on the reception of the Eucharist is a chaotic mess . ##

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Brendan:

As mentioned, Communion is a sign of unity, (hence the name). This is, at it’s core, a Communion of belief.

To recieve Communion in the Catholic Church is to accept and hold ALL that the Catholic Church holds and teaches.

You have to ask yourself, do you, in fact, believe all that the Catholic Church teaches, are you in Communion with those beliefs?

If not, you would be going to that altar and willfully lying to all those present.

The trouble is that the Church sometimes ignores its own teaching & discipline: which completely destroys its credibility - as when Cardinal Ratzinger gave the late Brother Roger Schutz (the founder of the community at Taize) Communion.​

Members of the Polish National Catholic Church are not Catholics - no more or less than the SSPX are: yet members of the PNCC can receive the Eucharist from Catholic priests.

The position and discipline and doctrine of the Church on the reception of the Eucharist is a chaotic mess . ##

 

[cyprian]

Mathew

No, I didn’t mean that only Catholics will be saved, only that salvation comes through the church for all mankind. Those who truly are seeking God but through no fault of their own have not been exposed to or by mitigating circumstances are not able to “be” catholic, these too can be saved.(I’m paraphrasing the catechism) We know God wills the salvation of all men, but we need to use our reason too. Jesus did start a church, and that is the same church we have today. The eucharist then comes into play here in a large way. Jesus did in fact say that unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man you have no life in you. I think He meant what He said and said what he meant. Now through no fault of your(not you, anyone) own if you don’t or can’t “get this” then you can still be saved. Believing and understanding are two different things though. What blocks one from merely believing? If Jesus really wasn’t in the Eucharist and you believed he was, do you think God would hold it against you when your judgement came? Now if he really was in the Eucharist as we understand it to be, well now that would make a big difference, no? In reading John 6 there would seem to be a lot more going on if you do believe as opposed to not believing. Our Catholic faith is for you and everyone and it is the most unbelievably beautiful, perfect seemless garment. I don’t say any of these things to increase myself over you, I only long for you and everyone to experience the depth of God’s love that I have and continue to experience deeper and deeper, a depth of understanding that simply cannot be found outside of the Catholic Church.
I’m praying for you this night, a rosary and for all nights to come I will mention your name to God in prayer, that your eye may truly bcome the lamp of your body, in desire, spirit and truth

Peace and love my brother.

 

[gardenswithkids]

I was going to post this earlier, but then I read the beautiful post that Matthew 25 and I didn’t want to follow with such legalism. Now may be a better time to post this.

Mickey:

I seem to recall something buried deep in canon law that talks about non-Catholics receiving the Holy Eucharist if they truly believe they are receiving Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. But of course I may be wrong here.

From the CCC 1401 “When, in the Ordinary’s judgment, a grave necessity arises, Catholic ministers may give the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who ask for them of their own will, provided they give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments and possess the required dispositions.” (The footnote sites Cf. CIC can. 844 S 4)

Matthew 25, if you feel strongly about recieving Communion you could make a request to the bishop of your area and ask him for a dispensation. (This can be done by speaking to the pastor at the Catholic parish you attend and asking him to ask on your behalf, and I have no idea if he will grant such a request for you or not.) The bishop has authority to grant it if he finds certain conditions are met. I greatly admire your devotion to Christ and your desire to heal divisions in Christianity. Jesus prayed that we all be one, and I pray that we can be without compromising truth for the sake of unity. May God bless you.

 

[allhers]

Matthew 25:

Dear folks,

So many of you made such wonderful comments - inviting me to join the Catholic Church in such a kind way. I hope you don’t mind that I answer all of these comments in a corporate way, saying simply: “Thank you and bless you!”

Now, my good brother Ryan L. Thank you! Thank you! The Holy Spirit used you greatly in your post!

One of the main reasons I believe that Catholics and Protestants have more in common than we have differences - and should be in unity as One Body In Christ - is the writings of the Popes beginning during the Vatican II era.

I DID look at your link, Ryan, “Ut Unum Sint” by the great Godly man, Pope John Paul…

“These brothers and sisters of ours, united in the selfless offering of their lives for the Kingdom of God, are the most powerful proof that every factor of division can be transcended and overcome in the total gift of self for the sake of the Gospel.”

Pope John Paul expressed what I have been trying to say on this forum much better than I ever could.

Good Friday to all! We are ONE in the Spirit, we are ONE in the Lord.

and we pray that all unity may one day be restored, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, and they’ll know we are Christians by our love. I love that song, we sing it at Mass often. Come and join us, ask one of the many Priests that you say you know to “instruct” you in the faith. We’d love someone like you who loves Jesus so much to be among us.

 

[Matthew_25]

Dear friends,

Thank you so much. I see true grace in most of your posts now, the fruit of the Holy Spirit. At first, the sledding was a little bit rough at times, but maybe by now you’ve all figured out I’m not here to create conflict and division (just the opposite).

Cyprian, thank you so much for your prayers for me! I can sure use them! A doctor told me a year ago that I should have been dead many years ago. But the Lord Jesus Christ sustains me and literally keeps me alive and functioning. Praise be to His wonderful and glorious Name!

As St. John of the Cross taught, there is much to be learned from the “dark night of the soul.” I have been in this “dark night” off and on for the past 13 years due to chronic and serious health problems. I agree with brother John, there is much to be learned in the dark valleys of life. Have any of you seen Corrie Ten Boom’s movie or read her book about her experiences in a German prison during WWII? She said: “Jesus’ light penetrates even the deepest darkness.” It is so, my friends! It is so!

I always read ALL of your comments - every word of them - and appreciate everything that is said. Discussion and debate are so stimulating to the little intellect I have remaining (smile).

About the Eucharist, Communion, etc…

I am wondering about semantics.

I believe that when any Christian participates in communion with a heart of worship and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice of His Body and Blood - that the Presence of Our Lord is LITERALLY in this (using your terminlogy “sacrament.”)

Now, do I believe that this is literally Christ’s flesh I am eating and literally Christ’s blood? No, it tastes like unleavened bread and wine to me. I believe that He is present in a very profound way spiritually. This puts me probably at odds with many Protestants who believe that taking Communion is basically something done “in remembrance” of Christ’s Sacrifice or to help them reflect and meditate on Christ’s Sacrifice. I DO believe He really literally shows up - spiritually.

One priest and other Catholics have told me that they feel my belief about Communion should be sufficient to quality me to participate. Others, (including most here), say “no.”

Can you tell me, from your own perspective, if you feel that I am missing what is most important in this sacrament?

I would like to know how you personally feel about it, not necessarily official Catholic doctrine that I can read on the internet myself.

Thank you and God bless each and every one of you! You are all the apples of His Eye!

 

[YinYangMom]

Hmmmm You are very good at posing your questions, it is done so thoughtfully. I hope to be able to respond as well.

I know you don’t want Doctrine but there’s no way around it.
Catholics do believe it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ we are consuming at that moment.

Now do all Catholics really believe this every time they receive? From 2nd grade until the day they die? For some, the answer is Yes. I know this. They are truly blessed. For most, I would venture to say No. But that is a matter of the Holy Spirit and at some point in each person’s life the Truth becomes clear. When that happens, that person can never not believe every time he/she receives Jesus after that. Until that blessed day comes, all Catholics receive the Eucharist in good faith. They present themselves to Christ as clear as they can make themselves through prayer, sacrifice, discipline, obedience, and long to truly comprehend the sacredness of the moment.

The fact remains that the transubstantiation does take place each and every time, thus the Host becomes the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ whether or not we’re able to truly appreciate and recognize that Truth.

Whereas you settle for your interpretation of what is really before you, satisfied it is enough, those of us who can’t quite grasp the concept yet continually work toward getting ‘it’. We know we’re missing something and we long for it. We lament our limited minds and pray for the Holy Spirit to bring us to the Truth.

There are other Catholics, however, who, like you, are comfortable not really experiencing the Real Presence. Many, sadly, don’t even really know about it. But the grace of the sacraments work on them regardless of whether or not they seek it…and in God’s time, Truth is revealed.

At least that’s my observation/impression.

 

[RobNY]

Matthew 25:

I am wondering about semantics.

Semantics, oh, how religious debates can turn on a single word! Hehe.

I believe that when any Christian participates in communion with a heart of worship and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice of His Body and Blood - that the Presence of Our Lord is LITERALLY in this (using your terminlogy “sacrament.”)

So, it is the belief of the individual receiver that makes or breaks the Real Presence? (Just wondering if you meant that.)

Now, do I believe that this is literally Christ’s flesh I am eating and literally Christ’s blood? No, it tastes like unleavened bread and wine to me. I believe that He is present in a very profound way spiritually.

I kinda think it’s supposed to taste just like unleavened bread and wine to you and me. Think about it. If Jesus told us to eat his flesh and gave it to us as a bloody sacrifice to eat… *eeegh… *who could eat it? Out of love, I would suspect, Jesus gave us his body to eat under the “accidents” of bread and wine. I know, I know, you don’t necessarily want the Church teaching, or the philosophy explaining the Eucharist, but I find it very helpful. The bread changes substantially into Christ, and the accidents remain-- so all the properties of bread remain, but it isn’t bread (will someone who knows this better than I do please check whether or not my explanation accurate represents the teaching of the Church?). Quite honestly, it’s a mystery. I can’t say anyone really understands it. I like how it is charaterized as this “unbloody sacrifice.”

1367… "And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner. . . this sacrifice is truly propitiatory."188

This puts me probably at odds with many Protestants who believe that taking Communion is basically something done “in remembrance” of Christ’s Sacrifice or to help them reflect and meditate on Christ’s Sacrifice. I DO believe He really literally shows up - spiritually.

Well, Catholics do believe in the “in remembrance” part too.

We also believe he really shows up. Actually, *they’re the same thing, *which is what I find fascinating about Catholic belief on this!!

**1362 **The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the making present and the sacramental offering of his unique sacrifice, in the liturgy of the Church which is his Body. In all the Eucharistic Prayers we find after the words of institution a prayer called the *anamnesis *or memorial.

Now, the ananmnesis isn’t just any plain “memorial” it’s a literal recalling of the event and being with it. It’s well… the catechism says it much better…

1363. In the sense of Sacred Scripture the memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men. In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real. This is how Israel understands its liberation from Egypt: every time Passover is celebrated, the Exodus events are made present to the memory of believers so that they may conform their lives to them.

Thus, Christ is really and truly made present to us when the Sacrifice of the Mass is perpetuated. The understanding of the Jews was that Passover really made the Exodus present, just as we believe the Mass really makes Christ’s sacrifice present.

One priest and other Catholics have told me that they feel my belief about Communion should be sufficient to quality me to participate. Others, (including most here), say “no.”

Unfortunately the priest is wrong. I’m sure he’s well meaning, but it’s simply incorrect.

Can you tell me, from your own perspective, if you feel that I am missing what is most important in this sacrament?

Well, I do. Connect this to the anamnesis thing, and making Christ’s sacrifice present, since it ties into the Passover so well. Not only did the Jews did to sacrifice a blameless lamb, they also had to eat it. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and he commands us to eat His flesh just as God commanded the Israelites to eat the flesh of the sacrificed lamb. I think you’re missing the belief that Christ’s body and blood is truly present. (Sorry for the big lead up with the anamnesis thing, but I think it makes this point make so much more sense.)

Sorry also for dropping in on your topic without already contributing. I was reading it before but never got a chance to reply.

-Rob

 

[Sherlock]

Matthew 25:

Now, do I believe that this is literally Christ’s flesh I am eating and literally Christ’s blood? No, it tastes like unleavened bread and wine to me. I believe that He is present in a very profound way spiritually. This puts me probably at odds with many Protestants who believe that taking Communion is basically something done “in remembrance” of Christ’s Sacrifice or to help them reflect and meditate on Christ’s Sacrifice. I DO believe He really literally shows up - spiritually.

One priest and other Catholics have told me that they feel my belief about Communion should be sufficient to quality me to participate. Others, (including most here), say “no.”

Can you tell me, from your own perspective, if you feel that I am missing what is most important in this sacrament?

Matthew25,

May God bless you and hold you in His hands, now and forever.

One important distinction that the “one priest and other Catholics” are not mentioning (perhaps their understanding is incomplete) is that when you partake of Communion, you are essentially saying, “I believe EVERYTHING the Catholic Church proposes for my belief”. This includes the Catholic understanding of “church”, which is, as you mention, different than your understanding—this is a matter of doctrine, not discipline. Ditto for other Catholic doctrines about the Sacraments, etc. So, in effect, you’d be lying by participating in Communion–and why would you want to do that? Note that this lying is also done by “cafeteria Catholics”, who pick and choose what doctrines they will follow.

Your understanding of Communion is not necessarily complete. Catholics believe that it is Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity that we consume—it is not simply a “spiritual” presence, but a real one—hence the term, “Real Presence”. The reason it does not look or taste like flesh and blood is that the “accidents” remain. “Accidents” are a philosopher’s term, but essentially it refers to properties that are not the substance or essence of a thing, but is “attached” to them, so to speak—for example, “red” is an accident attached to a red apple. It does not constitute its “appleness”. At the moment of consecration, the substance of bread and wine are changed to Christ’s Body and Blood, but the accidents remain. That is why it is not bread and wine after the consecration, but Christ. This is more than a spiritual presence.

 

[RyanL]

My brother in Christ,

What I am about to say may surprise you, and may even be a bit shocking, but I believe that this may illustrate what is probably lacking in your understanding…

Do you know about Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration? At this wonderful and holy event we place the Eucharist in a “monstrance” (display case), and then we *worship *what looks to be a piece of bread as the God of the Universe. It is full on, all out worship.

Would you be willing to do this? Do you believe that the host is God? If not, you don’t believe what Catholics do.

Why would we believe this? Again, you may want to read the Holy Father Pope John Paul the Great: Mane Nobiscum Domine.

God Bless,
RyanL

 

[LouisvilleCards]

Matthew 25:

I believe that when any Christian participates in communion with a heart of worship and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice of His Body and Blood - that the Presence of Our Lord is LITERALLY in this (using your terminlogy “sacrament.”)

…

Can you tell me, from your own perspective, if you feel that I am missing what is most important in this sacrament?

I would like to know how you personally feel about it, not necessarily official Catholic doctrine that I can read on the internet myself.

Hello Matthew,

I’m a little late to this party, but I feel like I can offer some personal perspective to answer your question. The funny thing is, I actually came to Catholic Answers tonight looking for an answer to a question about John 6, which you probably know the Catholic Church uses as part of the scriptural evidence for the bread and wine becoming the Body and Blood of Christ.

Your understanding of Holy Communion sounds much like the Presbyterian viewpoint, that Christ is spiritually present in a profound way. While Baptists tend to emphasize the symbolism of Communion, they don’t deny that there is a spiritual benefit. However, there are also many Protestants, namely Lutherans and Episcopaleans, who believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. However, they believe Christ’s Presence sorrounds the bread and wine (the technical term being consubstantion). This is different from the Catholic understanding, called transubstantiation.

So are you missing what is most important in the Sacrament of Holy Communion? Since it is much more than mere semantics, my answer is yes, you are. However, I used to be quite headstrong about my belief that God really didn’t care if shared in Communion at a Catholic Mass, despite being a non-Catholic. And I loved to quote Ephesians 4:4-6 in support of this belief:

We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.

In addition, I was already convinced that it really is Christ’s Body and Blood that we merely perceive to our senses as bread and wine. For a while, this was part of my motivation for taking Communion anyway, since I longed to share in this experience. Heck, I figured since some Catholics don’t even believe that this miracle occurs, then shouldn’t I be found worthy?

Or so I thought… after a couple years of being fully convinced that my argument was bullet-proof, and probably taking a small bit of pride in myself for having the courage to act on my beliefs by taking Communion every time I attended Mass (usually with my cousin’s family, who did try to instruct me otherwise), God changed my mind rather swiftly.

First, God showed me that there just isn’t a Biblical basis for this kind of rebellion. Jesus himself submitted to both civil and religious authorities. Despite their unholy rule, he told the Jews to “give unto Caesar what is his.” On several occassions Jesus healed someone and instructed them to go to the Temple for purification. Yes, Jesus had strong words for the Saducees and Pharisees and overturned the changing tables in the Temple, but there he was fighting glaring hypocrits. And of course, Jesus submitted to the authority of our Father by praying, “I want your will done, not mine” on the Mount of Olives, and he never rebelled against the soldiers who carried out his crucifixion.

So how can I justify consciously disobeying church authority? Even though I was non-Catholic and didn’t accept Catholic authority, it’s clear that God expects Christians to obey those he places in positions of authority, no matter their denomination.

Second, I read the Catechism and learned that even being Catholic isn’t enough to share in the Eucharist if that person is conscious of mortal sin that needs to be confessed. It wasn’t so much that I found out I wasn’t “following the rules,” but it became clear to me that ignoring Catholic teaching about the Eucharist puts one at real risk of “sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27)

And third, I started to realize exactly why submission to authority is a good thing. The church has divisions now, but can you imagine what it would be like if every Christian just did whatever they were able to justify between themselves and God, like I had for a while? Sometimes we need to fight, like when our right to worship is threatened, but we need to embrace a spirit of submission not only because we may get along better with others, but because Christians are called to a life of sacrifice and I believe God is often willing to challenge us with great callings, if we are willing to submit to the sacrifice they require.

So that, in a nutshell, is my perspective.

 

[twiztedseraph]

Matthew 25:

Hi folks,

I would like to toss out a question for anyone to answer.

I am not Catholic. I am also not “protestant” because I don’t protest my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am essentially a non-denominational Christian. I have been attending a few meetings of the charismatic Catholic group in my area and they have been very kind to me. They have even let me play my musical instruments a couple of times during worship.

But I don’t quite understand why the priests won’t let me and my wife and son participate in communion with them during Mass.

I know that there is a Catholic Rule from long ago that “Protestants” - origins in Luther - could not share communion. But what about a person like me who does not identify with the concept of “protestant” - feeling that all who call on the name of Jesus are brothers and sisters in Christ?

(Oh, I should mention. I do believe that the Presence of Jesus is present during the taking of communion and I don’t believe as many protestants that it’s just a symbolic gesture).

I don’t think God is going to “split us up” by denomination in heaven, so why the division here?

I would like to hear from folks on this, if they can enlighten me.

          God's blessings to all!

Dearest brother in Christ,
you were denied communion because you are not in full communion with the body of Christ which is the Church. Sounds harsh ay? But St Paul tells us that to take communion unworthily is to eat damnation upon ourselves. In the Old Testament when the enemies of Israel stole the Ark of the Covanent God bestowed terrible plagues and misfortunes on them. When the high-priest would enter the holy of holies he would enter with a rope around his foot, lest he be struck dead because of his sins. This is the attitude we should have towards all things holy. This may sound elitist, only Catholics may take communion. Not really, as you’re warmly invited to become Catholic. Thats where the term comes from Catholic means Universal, or the “whole Church”, it is for the entire world, not for any single ethnicity. So study up a bit sir, be Catholic, do what the early Christians did and submit to the Pope! Praying for your conversion. Seraph.

cin.org/users/jgallegos/contents.htm

heres a little website with quotes from the first Christians on their views on Catholic things.

 

[AquinasXVI]

Dear Matthew:

Greetings!

You asked for personal testimony regarding the Most Holy Eucharist. Whatever I share will come short of this Ultimate Reality. But here it is anyhow.

It is Life. It is Him. It is beautiful, noble, and true. It is God. It is Peace. It is Hope.

Jesus is Life, Jesus is The Messiah, Jesus is beautiful, noble and true. Jesus is God. Jesus in Peace. Jesus is Hope.

When the other disciples in John 6 complained “This is a hard teaching, who can accept this?” They were reacting to the literal proposition of Christ to be EATEN. Christ never backs down on this and repeats himself. This is a liturgical bombshell to the jews!!! This is the new and everlasting covenant.

We in the 3rd millenium actually are in that same junction. Do I trust and take this leap and believe that Christ wants me to eat him or do I not accept this because it is too difficult. We are not removed from these verses at all. We are active participants in this. Do we assent like Peter or do we leave like the others? This is the challenge that each Christian is called to…this is the rare point in Christ’s teaching where he asks our faith to trust his words directly opposing what we visually see. A test of faith in a way.

As Catholics, it is a humbling experience and realization that our Lord humbles himself to sit in our tabernacles to wait for us. It is even more humbling that we unworthy of him are allowed to receive him in this most intimate way. I say intimate because no other human act is more intimate than the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist. We can hug, kiss, and unite with our spouse. But the Holy Eucharist is utter absorption of God in man and man in God not only in the spiritual sense but physically. This sacrament affords this to us.

Lastly, please investigate the Theology of the Body of JPII via Christopher West. It expresses in a deeper way this inexplicable and most unique GIFT FROM GOD.

Hope this made a little sense.

in XT.

 

[gardenswithkids]

Matthew 25:

About the Eucharist, Communion, etc…
…Can you tell me, from your own perspective, if you feel that I am missing what is most important in this sacrament?

I would like to know how you personally feel about it, not necessarily official Catholic doctrine that I can read on the internet myself.

I love that you asked about our personal feelings on the Eucharist. I enjoy reflecting on what Communion means to me. Yes, as you explained your beliefs on Communion, I do think you are missing a most important point about this Most Blessed Sacrament.

First, a silly personal comment about meals I prepare for my family. The reason why Mom’s homemade cooking is different from restaurants is simply love. When making meals for my family, I put my thoughts and care into the planning and preparation. Some might say I “put myself” into it. (Occasionally a stray hair will fall in, and I literally do. )

When God created the world, He placed theological truths into His design. I think that the concept of nourishment and food is one of those theological truths. All food and drink is symbolic of our need for something beyond ourselves to nourish and sustain us. Food and drink represent physically the truth that we need God to nourish and sutain us, satisfying our spiritual hunger.

Jesus called Himself the “Living Bread that came down from Heaven.” He is true food; all that which we otherwise call food merely points to Him. When the Israelites traveled through the desert, God sustained them on Manna from heaven. As we travel on our way to the Promised Land, God sustains us on the True Bread from Heaven.

We offer God bread and wine. He takes our humble offering and transforms it into His very Self, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Through the anointed hands of our Catholic priests, God works an unseen miracle and literally transforms the bread and wine into something beyond what our senses can grasp. That bread and wine which once only symbolized our true nourishment, actually becomes our True Nourishment.

People hunger for God. Jesus satisfies that hunger quite literally in the Eucharist. He was always symbolically present in food, (because food always represented a greater theological truth,) but now He is truly present and He gives Himself to us. Far beyond the love of a mother’s cooking for her family, God truly and literally puts Himself into the banquet He prepares for us.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on the Eucharist. May God bless you.

 

[Didi]

You asked about personal stories. I also went through a period of time where I wasn’t sure what I believed about the Holy Eucharist. A friend of mine encouraged me to begin a weekly hour of adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. While I believed He was there in some form, I hadn’t quite accepted that it is really and truly Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in Holy Communion.

Through my weekly hour of adoration (now over four years), the Holy Spirit enlightened me in so many aspects of my faith walk, my struggles, and my doubts. There were times when I would sit or kneel, and a book in the chair next to me would catch my eye. I’d open it up and there would be the answer to something I was struggling with! I can’t even count how many times this has happened!

There have been times when I have just sat quietly before Him, times when I cried my eyes out, times of great praise and thanksgiving. But He has shown Himself to me, there in this little wafer, and I now know without a doubt that this is Jesus. I come before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our feeble minds cannot truly comprehend this.

Pray to Our Lord and tell Him of your struggles. Ask Him to help you believe what is the Truth, and He will! It may take some time, but trust in Him.

 

[MariaG]

I would just like to reiterate something RyanL said. If you would be willing to kneel down and worship what has the appearance of bread but you know to be Christ, you have the same beliefs as Catholic Christians. Since we do believe it IS Christ, we can kneel down and worship Christ who is present in the accident of Bread.

Here is another way to examine your conscience on this issue. What would you do with the “leftovers” of communion? This may help you know what you believe and if it is the same as what Catholic Christians should believe.

God Bless,
Maria

 

[St_Benedict]

st_ignatius110:

D

Here is my suggestion. You beleive that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Which other Church teaches this and has valid apostolic succession? No one. .

The Orthodox Church.

 

[St_Benedict]

Matthew 25:

Dear friends,

I believe that He is present in a very profound way spiritually. This puts me probably at odds with many Protestants who believe that taking Communion is basically something done “in remembrance” of Christ’s Sacrifice or to help them reflect and meditate on Christ’s Sacrifice. I DO believe He really literally shows up - spiritually.

One priest and other Catholics have told me that they feel my belief about Communion should be sufficient to quality me to participate. Others, (including most here), say “no.”

The closest is probably reformation Anglicanism ‘heavenly and spiritual manner’ belief. -39 Articles anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html

I’m afraid I must agree with the others…

 

[Matthew_25]

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for your very thoughtful and WELL-EXPRESSED feelings and beliefs about Communion. You are right. I could not worship bread and wine. Interestly, a Catholic man I know who is actually an official of the Catholic Church told me that Catholics do not actually worship the bread and wine, even though I had read previously that this was the case. I guess all Catholics do not interpret doctrine the same way.

My heart is heavy now. I asked the Lord two days ago how long I should post in this forum and ask questions and I felt Him saying to my spirit: “Two days.”

So, I must be obedient like Jesus was to His Father when he was walking this Earth.

But I feel in my spirit He will allow me to return and when He tells me to return I will.

All of your posts confirm what I had already known, that the vast majority of Catholics are wonderful people who love God.

A year ago, the Lord spoke to me in my spirit and said: “Make friends with your Catholic brothers and sisters.”

He didn’t tell me to become a Catholic, he told me to make friends.

I hope you all feel that I have been a friend. I love you all with the love of Christ.

If anyone desires, please feel free to send me a personal message through this forum and when I get it I will send you my e-mail address if you would like to continue any communication.
God bless each and every one, Matthew (Chapter) 25