I went to an Episcopal service this morning and loved it. How welcoming to see “all are invited to communion, regardless of denomination” in the program. Everything I miss about Catholicism was in the service. I had the most powerful experience recieving communion that I have ever had. And this comes after being reminded, through the discusson here, of all the reasons I rejected Catholicism long ago. My communion issues are solved.
Maybe, on a personal leve, but, not on a Theological level. Episocopal communion is not recognized by the Church because the priests’ Holy Orders are invalid. Invalid Holy Orders translates into invalid communion. What you claim to be receiving is, unfortunately, merely a piece of bread. The real presence does not exist.
Perhaps you should re-read the sixth chapter of the Gospel of St. John. Many of the Jews found Jesus’ teachings hard to accept. When Jesus asked His Apostles if they were going to leave, Peter said, “No, Lord. To whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life.”
The Church’s teachings are Jesus’ teachings. Her deposit of Faith has remained intact because she preserves and holds the fullness of Truth.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit is leading you back to the fold; but, because you may not want to accept the full Truth and repent, you are seeking the easy way out. God’s ways are not easy. Jesus said that the road is often narrow, but, it leads back to Him.
What you are taking comfort in is merely a shadow. It’s not the fullness of Truth at all. Had you been born and reared an Episcopalian, it would be different because you didn’t know any better. But, you are a Catholic. Whether you like it or not, you are still a member of the Church, albeit a misguided one, but you are still one of us.
You said that you “found your solution”. However, as your sister in the Faith, I have a moral obligation to tell you that you are incorrect. This is called fraternal correction done in charity, something that St. Paul urges us to do, on occasion.
I would challenge you to show up at Mass next week, during the Church’s greatest and most sacred time of the year: Holy Week. Holy Week is the end all and be all of our Faith. Immerse yourself in the mysteries that play out over the course of the week. Take part in the Palm Sunday procession and Mass (just refrain from receiving Holy Communion). Go to the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Return for the Good Friday Liturgy and then on Saturday evening for the Great Easter Vigil.
Just as the Lord commanded Ancient Israel to gather her children together during Passover, so, too, does Jesus gather us, the New Israel, for His Sacred Passover.
