For converts, regarding the eucharist

[loozcannon]

Even as a Protestant I believed that Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ, and received it as such despite being surrounded by “grape juice and crackers/symbols” people. That being said, I did feel a difference in a Catholic Church—when I first went to one I just knew it was different—I could FEEL God’s presence in a way that I had not felt before, although I believed then and now He is everywhere. There were only two men in my old church that believed that way, my dad and a retired minister. When I received Communion from there hand, it seemed different from when another elder gave me communion—and I quickly got to a point where I only received from my father when he was serving because I knew he had the same reverence for the Body & Blood of Christ and it seemed wrong to take from someone else.

My First Communion in the Catholic Church…honestly, it did not feel different from the times I had been given communion by my father. Because of our belief perhaps? I don’t know, it was definitely a coming home though, I knew when I came to the Catholic Church I was home, I was really in God’s Presence.

This journey has made me realize that while I’ve always had faith, IMHO so long as I was always solo scriptura I felt I was missing out, or maybe not quite getting it right. I definitely notice a tangeable difference between the Holy Mass and what I was accustomed to.

 

[Marie5890]

Don’t get yourself overly excited! We are not a faith that is dependent on emotional rushes as our only means of reaching God. I’ve found that at times I’m given to a highly experiential reception of communion, but most often my encounter with Christ is less like a raging bull and more like leaves floating on the wind… and that in it’s way is its own sublime experience.

Whatever your experience you can be sure of this: that in the Eucharist, God may ignore what we want, but He gives us what we need, whether the quiet whisper of grace or the rush of passionate faith.

Beautifully, and very wisely put.

 

[loozcannon]

I know how you feel. I felt the same way last year - so much so, that I created this thread.

Not Being Able to Receive Communion is Killing Me

I hope this thread is encouraging to you.

During my First Communion Mass, I cried all throughout the Mass and at the communion rail too. Like you I had really been yearning as well. However, I had not expected to bawl throughout the Mass as I don’t like to cry at all and strive to avoid THAT at all costs.

So that was my experience.

Just a word of caution, do not go into it expecting to receive some great experience, outside of gratitude for the Lord bringing you to his Church and allowing you to partake of his body and blood. Everyone is different and experience things differently.

I am sure you will at least experience extreme gratitude.

Whoa. What an absolutely WONDERFUL thread that is! Seems you and I are kindred spirits! Definitely puts things in perspective.

Part of me says “Look, I’m baptised, I believe the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesuse Christ, why can’t I take it?!?!?” But I also know this is a trial for me and I do believe, in the end, it will make me that much more appreciative.

Thank you for that link!