Hey I have a question to the Protestants here. If we could ask an Apostle who knew Jesus if Christ was really speaking literally or metaphorically would you listen?
But ah man, none of them ever explicitly spoke either way on the matter. I guess were back at square one.
Oh wait luckily were not if the Apostles did not speak explicitly on the matter then one of their deciples might have. Lets see.
Oh yes, here we go, St. Ignasius of Antioch. Good guy** he was the third Bishop of Antioch and a 40 year deciple of the Apostle John** as well. He’s definetly someone who has the authority and knowledge about Christ teachings to trump any teachings of the 21st century Pastor today.
So let us see what this **40 year deciple of the Apostle John **has to say on the issue of the Eucharist…
Letter to the Smyrnaeans
"Let no one be deceived!
Even the heavenly powers and the angels in their splendor and the principalities, both visible and invisible, must either believe in the Blood of Christ, or else face damnation. Let him grasp it who can. Let no rank puff up anyone; for faith and love are paramount–the greatest blessings in the world**…From Eucharist and prayer they hold aloof**, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father in His loving-kindness raised from the dead. And so, those who question the gift of God perish in their contentiousness.
Letter to the Ephesians **
Make an effort, then, to meet more frequently to celebrate God’s Eucharist and to offer praise**. For, when you meet frequently in the same place, the forces of Satan are overthrown, and his baneful influence is neutralized by the unanimity of your faith. Peace is a precious thing: it puts an end to every war waged by heavenly or earthly enemies.
Letter to the Philadelphians
Take care, then, to partake of one Eucharist; for, one is the Flesh of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and one the cup to unite us with His Blood, and one altar, just as there is one bishop assisted by the presbytery and the deacons, my fellow servants. Thus you will conform in all your actions to the will of God.](Apostolic Succession

/Just thought I’d emphasize that a little)