Explaining Eucharist to Non-Religious Friend

[acatholicguy]

A non-religious friend asked me what the point of communion was, and I said it replicated what Jesus did at the last supper. I worried about the reaction I would receive if I told him that we believe it is Jesus fully present. Was it a sin not to tell him that Jesus is fully present, and if so, do I need to go back and tell him? I did not lie but I feel like I didn’t tell the whole truth.

 

[Justin_Mary]

Nah, not a sin. Babes need to be fed milk for a while before they are ready for meat.

But I always explain the Exodus story & the passover before trying to explain the last supper. Everybody knows the Exodus story. There’s a movie for every generation.

 

[otjm]

That type of question brings up a side issue; you sound as if you may sugffer from scrupulosity. If so, the internet is not the place to seek advice; you need to speak to your pastor.

You do not owe a non-religious person, friend or not, a thesis in theology. Had you spoken further, you likely simply would have confused them further, as they have no foundation upon which to understand your commentary.

 

[poche]

In the early Church they did not talk about the Eucharist to everyone. In fact during the mass at the end of what became the Liturgy of the Word, everyone who was not initiated int the sacraments of initiation was told to leave as only those who were in full communion were allowed to remain for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.