Experiance at a Catholic Funeral - Communion

[Erich]

When I was younger I fell in love with a man who was married. His wife had a problem with this because she was selfish and arrogant and thought she could dictate who could be intimate with him. In which my response was I do not need her permission I already have permission from him.

I, too, would certainly have a problem with someone else being intimate with my wife; and I, too, would probably also be perceived as being “selfish and arrogant” as well. Thing is, any “permission” someone else might obtain from my wife is subordinate to the Sixth Commandment.

 

[DianaCC]

I, too, would certainly have a problem with someone else being intimate with my wife; and I, too, would probably also be perceived as being “selfish and arrogant” as well. Thing is, any “permission” someone else might obtain from my wife is subordinate to the Sixth Commandment.

Bingo. And by the way, the man and his wife in my example are really Jesus and the Catholic Church, in case anyone missed it.

 

[Irishgal49]

Yes, if they want it. We don’t exclude other believers in Christ.

That’s funny because my mother is a staunch hard-core Lutheran and no one is allowed to receive communion unless they have been confirmed in their faith.

 

[BornAgain2010]

First of all Catholics do not need to be confirmed to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist. Second I think that you cannot judge the state of his soul (saying that he committed mortal sin). He obviously did something really wrong but does not mean that he met the three criteria for mortal sin, remember that Catholics are held to a higher standard because they are expected to know better. I think that his overall attitude was wrong but that does not mean that we have the authority to say that he damned himself.

First off, I never said that he comitted a mortal sin. In my post it says ‘I think’. Thought does not necesarily imply certainty. I said “think” as he may not be aware of the gravity or seriousness of the sin (which is the second criteria if I remember correctly).

And yes, I was wrong on the Confirmation thing. I forgot that First Communion came before Confirmation. Im a cradle Catholic so I took all mine when I was about 7 or 8. So its easy to forget.

Finally, I never said he damned himself. But he did do some serious wrong-doing.

 

[Zacdecat]

I have been to funerals where the priest does not offer communion for this very reason, he is not obliged to. It is sad to hear of this sort of thing and yes I agree that the person is merely trying to wind people up.

 

[Paxvobis]

Interested in members opinions on a situation that happened to me yesterday at my Grandfathers funeral. First off I was raised in a Lutheran church but my Dad was raised Catholic and my mom Lutheran.

Anyway before the service my mom tells me the pastor is not to give non Catholics communion. In which my response is I do not need his permission I already have permission from Christ. The idea that man, not christ could deny me Communion seems perverse. Long story short when my row was called I went and accepted the Communion.

What are some opinions on this?

The Catholic Church maintains in it’s Sacred Scripture and Tradition that not just anybody can receive the Eucharist. To receive the Eucharist - which as I’m sure you believe to be the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ and not just a symbol (see Jn. 6 and the tradition) - one must:

First, be a baptized Catholic who has received their First Holy Communion,
Second, be in a state of sanctifying grace (free from mortal sin since baptism or their last confession) (see 1 Corinthians 13),
Third, discern the body (again, 1 Corinthians 13),
and Fourth, have had fasted according to the laws of the Church (the fast used to be from midnight, than it became 3 hours, and today it’s 1 hour. However, many Catholics keep the traditional fast).

The purpose of these rules - grounded in Sacred Scripture and Tradition - is not to capriciously exclude Protestants or dissident Catholics. The purpose of these rules regarding proper reception of Jesus Christ himself in the Blessed Sacrament is to treat our Lord and God with the reverence he deserves. Truly, none of us are worthy to receive the Eucharist and are only justified by Christ. In the end, it is Christ and not man who is denying you Communion. The priest was only obeying the command of the Church which Christ founded.

Even though you don’t believe that the Eucharist is the true body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ, please respect our rules and beliefs - especially when you’re in our Church.

 

[exnihilo]

My condolences on your loss.

You should not have taken communion and there are several ways to understand this.

You were a guest. Basic rules of politeness require following the rules of your host. You may disagree with your host but that does not give you the right to break their rules. You have no right to flaunt the rules of your host than they have to come to your house and disobey your rules.

You must have believed that the Catholic Church is a true church and that they were offering true communion otherwise you should not have even wanted to take it. That being the case you recognized the authenticity of a church and ignored their rules. The Church (ignoring for now Protestant vs Catholic) is unquestionably given authority over believers. This is hard to accept in our modern world which proclaims the obvious lie that we are all completely and utterly free and subject to no authority. Any particular church has the right to establish rules. These can be in matters of faith or ordinary rules like when a part of the church building is open to visitors and when. What you did is like demanding to wander about the church at 2 am.

If you object to their teaching and rules the Christian way is to approach them and discuss it not to flaunt their rules. And if someone or an organization refuses to do what is Christian after discussion even then you dont ignore their rules. Your option would be to not have fellowship if you truly believe this is a serious matter.

I think what you did was wrong and sinful and I say that as a sinner myself in need of forgiveness. I would repent and ponder that God has established authority in this world. He has also instructed us in how to disagree and show others what is right. If you disagree with this teaching of the Catholic Church then go about your disagreement in a Christian manner. I think the Catholic Church is perfectly within its right to deny communion according to its rules. Any church can and should, as found in the Bible itself, deny communion to those who are outside the Church as defined by the Church since Christ created the Church for the purpose of sanctifying and helping believers to grow in Christ.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

Just curious, do Catholics receive at Lutheran services?

It would be considered grave matter for a Catholic to receive at a Lutheran service.

 

[Rome_Always]

When my father was a field camp in Montana while he was studying to be a Geologist, all there was is a Lutheran Church. They told him that he could not receive communion in their church because we do not both believe in the true presence.

 

[mark_a]

It would be considered grave matter for a Catholic to receive at a Lutheran service.

Understood.

I meant to ask if the Lutheran Church(es) knowingly give communion to Catholics.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Interested in members opinions on a situation that happened to me yesterday at my Grandfathers funeral. First off I was raised in a Lutheran church but my Dad was raised Catholic and my mom Lutheran.

Anyway before the service my mom tells me the pastor is not to give non Catholics communion. In which my response is I do not need his permission I already have permission from Christ. The idea that man, not christ could deny me Communion seems perverse. Long story short when my row was called I went and accepted the Communion.

What are some opinions on this?

RTully,

I think your actions showed a great disrespect to the Catholic faith. You were told ahead of time that non-Catholics were not to receive Communion. By taking Communion, you posed as a Catholic, which is deceitful anyway you look at it. In your heart, do you really believe Christ would have wanted that? You don’t have to answer. It’s just something to ponder.

Peace,
Anna

 

[RTully]

RTully,

By taking Communion, you posed as a Catholic, which is deceitful anyway you look at it. In your heart, do you really believe Christ would have wanted that?

Seems odd to me you would look through my old posts and rehash this but since you did I will answer. I was not trying to pose being a Catholic, I was trying to partake as a fellow Christian. At this point I have no interest in taking communion in a Catholic Church so if I end up in this situation again I won’t. Saying that I will say this:

Jesus gave Judas Communion.

 

[Zooey]

Seems odd to me you would look through my old posts and rehash this but since you did I will answer. I was not trying to pose being a Catholic, I was trying to partake as a fellow Christian. At this point I have no interest in taking communion in a Catholic Church so if I end up in this situation again I won’t. Saying that I will say this:

Jesus gave Judas Communion.

And?? You don’t really want to end up like Judas, I would imagine???
Lutherans are supposed to practice closed communion, as well. The nearby Lutheran priests actually require **proof **that someone is of their faith, before they will allow them to receive.

 

[RTully]

And?? You don’t really want to end up like Judas, I would imagine.

What happened to judas had nothing to do with him taking the last supper and everything to do with his betrayal of Jesus.

 

[Zooey]

What happened to judas had nothing to do with him taking the last supper and everything to do with his betrayal of Jesus.

On the contrary…Judas’ betrayal of Our Lord had to do with a heart that was full of Judas, instead of full of God. That kind of attitude in the heart will breed sin & more sin.
Re-read the story of the Last Supper. You will, I think, be surprised at what you find…

 

[RTully]

On the contrary…Judas’ betrayal of Our Lord had to do with a heart that was full of Judas, instead of full of God. That kind of attitude in the heart will breed sin & more sin.

You explain causation of why he betrayed him, which I agree. But it was his betrayal, not him taking the Lords Supper that lead to his downfall. Jesus announced one of those who were taking part would betray him knowing who it was and he still offered.

Anyway I had no interest in bringing this topic back up so this is my last post on it. I was discussing in another thread about an unrealated issue with Anna and she must have went into my old posts and felt the need to scold me. To me this is the past. I asked for forgiveness in the sense I agree that if I were at someones house and there was a cookie jar and they said I could not have one I would not take one. So I repented for that. I do however strongly dis-agree with any Church that denies Christ body and blood to an honest Christian whom wants it.

Have a nice weekend…

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

Interested in members opinions on a situation that happened to me yesterday at my Grandfathers funeral. First off I was raised in a Lutheran church but my Dad was raised Catholic and my mom Lutheran.

Anyway before the service my mom tells me the pastor is not to give non Catholics communion. In which my response is I do not need his permission I already have permission from Christ. The idea that man, not christ could deny me Communion seems perverse. Long story short when my row was called I went and accepted the Communion.

What are some opinions on this?

I do not know what synod you are a member of but the both the Missouri and Wisconsin practice closed communion. I would not think at anytime that it would be ok for me to partake at there communion.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Interested in members opinions on a situation that happened to me yesterday at my Grandfathers funeral. First off I was raised in a Lutheran church but my Dad was raised Catholic and my mom Lutheran.

Anyway before the service my mom tells me the pastor is not to give non Catholics communion. In which my response is I do not need his permission I already have permission from Christ. The idea that man, not christ could deny me Communion seems perverse. Long story short when my row was called I went and accepted the Communion.

What are some opinions on this?

RTully,

I think your actions showed a great disrespect to the Catholic faith. You were told ahead of time that non-Catholics were not to receive Communion. By taking Communion, you posed as a Catholic, which is deceitful anyway you look at it. In your heart, do you really believe Christ would have wanted that? You don’t have to answer. It’s just something to ponder.

Seems odd to me you would look through my old posts and rehash this but since you did I will answer. I was not trying to pose being a Catholic, I was trying to partake as a fellow Christian. At this point I have no interest in taking communion in a Catholic Church so if I end up in this situation again I won’t.

RTully,
You started this thread. Not sure if you’ve participated much on forums in the past; but quoting the Original Post of the person who started a thread (you, in this case) is a common practice. Your thread asked for members’ opinions. So, I gave you my opinion. ----And—of course, I looked back through your old posts on this thread before posting. In fact, I read the whole thread before posting. Also, a common practice, especially when the post count is not too high.

. . .Saying that I will say this: Jesus gave Judas Communion.

I don’t see what Judas has to do with you taking Communion at a Catholic Church, when you were told only Catholics could partake.

. . . .Anyway I had no interest in bringing this topic back up so this is my last post on it.

If you reach a point of not wanting any more answers to your original post/question or subsequent posts; you can ask the moderators to close the thread.

I was discussing in another thread about an unrealated issue with Anna and she must have went into my old posts and felt the need to scold me. . .

I did search all posts by RTully. This is commonly done for any number of reasons. That’s why there is an option for the search. I was curious about your posts on other threads, primarily because you managed to bring the Inquisition and Crusades into a discussion on a thread entitled, Origin of the Baptist Church.

And—I didn’t scold you. I gave you my opinion–an opinion you requested by starting this thread.

I asked for forgiveness in the sense I agree that if I were at someones house and there was a cookie jar and they said I could not have one I would not take one. So I repented for that.

I did see you say you asked forgiveness, as quoted above. You compared taking Communion to stealing a cookie. So, you basically acknowledged “stealing Communion”–which means stealing the Body and Blood of Christ. Does that mean you are sorry for taking Communion at your grandfather’s funeral? Just want to make sure I understand your position.

I do however strongly dis-agree with any Church that denies Christ body and blood to an honest Christian whom wants it. . . .

The Catholic Church has the religious freedom to exclude non-Catholics from participation in the Holy Eucharist. Catholics have put time and effort into posts on this thread to explain their position. However, I do understand that this can be a difficult and emotional issue when it involves the funeral of a loved one.

Even in my Anglican Church, I am not free to take Communion “just because I want it.” It is spiritually dangerous to partake of the Holy Eucharist, when we are not spiritually prepared or if we do not “discern” the Body of Christ.

1 Cor 11:
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

. . . .At this point I won’t take Communion if I go to a Catholic church again but do not believe it is the will of God for Catholics not to let me recieve it.

That is quite an assumption about the “will of God.”

RTully, I am truly sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I will pray for his soul and that the Lord will comfort you and your family.

Peace and blessings,
Anna

 

[Zooey]

RTully,
You started this thread. Not sure if you’ve participated much on forums in the past; but quoting the Original Post of the person who started a thread (you, in this case) is a common practice. Your thread asked for members’ opinions. So, I gave you my opinion. ----And—of course, I looked back through your old posts on this thread before posting. In fact, I read the whole thread before posting. Also, a common practice, especially when the post count is not too high.

I don’t see what Judas has to do with you taking Communion at a Catholic Church, when you were told only Catholics could partake.

If you reach a point of not wanting any more answers to your original post/question or subsequent posts; you can ask the moderators to close the thread.

I did search all posts by RTully. This is commonly done for any number of reasons. That’s why there is an option for the search. I was curious about your posts on other threads, primarily because you managed to bring the Inquisition and Crusades into a discussion on a thread entitled, Origin of the Baptist Church.

And—I didn’t scold you. I gave you my opinion–an opinion you requested by starting this thread.

I did see you say you asked forgiveness, as quoted above. You compared taking Communion to stealing a cookie. So, you basically acknowledged “stealing Communion”–which means stealing the Body and Blood of Christ. Does that mean you are sorry for taking Communion at your grandfather’s funeral? Just want to make sure I understand your position.

The Catholic Church has the religious freedom to exclude non-Catholics from participation in the Holy Eucharist. Catholics have put time and effort into posts on this thread to explain their position. However, I do understand that this can be a difficult and emotional issue when it involves the funeral of a loved one.

Even in my Anglican Church, I am not free to take Communion “just because I want it.” It is spiritually dangerous to partake of the Holy Eucharist, when we are not spiritually prepared or if we do not “discern” the Body of Christ.

1 Cor 11:
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

That is quite an assumption about the “will of God.”

RTully, I am truly sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I will pray for his soul and that the Lord will comfort you and your family.

Peace and blessings,
Anna

Well said, Anna.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Well said, Anna.

Zooey,
The sad thing is that many non-Catholics come to these forums and post so many insults and disparaging remarks about Catholics (which RTully did on a number of threads)–violating charity rules; they have a short life on the forums. So, they miss having any kind of meaningful dialogue with Catholics or those of other faiths. I pray something positive soaked in before RTully’s departure.

Peace,
Anna