Non-Catholic Exclusion of the Eucharist

[TC3033]

Suppose that’s fair. But at the same time a little education goes a long way. Catholics are by no means the only denomination who practice closed communion. And frankly Catholicism has more reasons than most of the other Christian denominations to practice a closed communion. And many of those reasons are laid out pretty clearly and gently in the Missal on the very first page. Is it a little jarring to be denied a place at Christ’s table, absolutely. But then if you’re not Catholic you’re clearly a guest in their church, and if for no other reason you have to respect their belief on the matter even if you disagree with their reasons.

And this is by no means a one way street. A Catholic would similarly not go into a non-denominational church and partake in their communion/table service either and knowing that might help a non-denominational Christian a bit better. At it’s core non-Catholic Christians have to understand the Catholic view on their faiths. That none are the fullness of Christianity. We may disagree with them, but it is what it is. They have their belief and as guests in their churches we do well to abide by their position on the matter.

And that’s part of the problem. I know Catholics that would go to church at my non-denom church and take communion with me, but when I would go to Mass with them all they would say is “you can’t, you’re not Catholic”. That also alters the understanding, especially when said Catholics who are should be explaining that, don’t even know.

I’m not talking about not respecting their beliefs either. That’s a no brainer that should be done, however after I re-read the OP a couple of times I’m not sure the boyfriend necessarily is either. He just thinks that all Baptized Christians should be allowed at any Communion. That probably has a lot to do with his upbringing in his church and what he has learned his entire life. One quick explanation probably isn’t going to unravel a lifetime of teaching, especially if you don’t know another way.

I’m the same way, and probably had many of the same feelings he did when my wife and I first started going to Mass together.

I’ve been going to Mass with my wife and her family for 13 years now and still don’t like the feelings I get when I’m left behind at Communion. I fully respect their beliefs, don’t come forward at all during communion (even for a blessing), but that doesn’t mean I still don’t really disagree or am given a feeling of “that’s nice you’re a Christian, but your faith is just not good enough”.

That kind of turned into a tangent, but I guess my point is the OP may never be able to reverse her boyfriends feelings, or virtually undo their teachings of open communion, but a lot of compassion from both sides would go a long way.

 

[TC3033]

Ok, thanks for letting me know. I’ll try to clear it up (again, I’m trying to explain the Evangelical viewpoint here so you can better understand it, and then better make yourselves understood).

Recapping my previous post–

The above scenario makes zero sense to the Catholic mind: why in the world would one parish deny communion to other Catholics? Why would their priest stand up and say “Please don’t join us if you belong elsewhere”, or that you’re “not truly Catholic”? Are people whom act this way even really part of the Catholic church?

**None of this makes any sense-- which is exactly the point. **

Evangelicals consider all Christians to be in communion. For them, to be denied the Lord’s Supper at your church makes zero sense, just like it makes zero sense for a Catholic to be denied the Lord’s Supper at a different parish. It’s confusing, hurtful, feels needlessly discriminatory, and cutting off part of the Body of Christ.

Evangelicals doesn’t view the bread and wine as Christ’s literal body. Rather they view the Lord’s Supper as a joining of all Christians coming to the Lord’s table-- true Christian unity. By excluding them, it feels like you are shunning them from the Christian family.

If you claim to be a Christian at an Evangelical church you are EXPECTED to come and sit besides the church members, even if you are a visitor to this particular congregation. In the Evangelical view, the only reason a person would refuse is because they are not Christian.

I’m not saying that the Evangelical or Catholic view is right. I’m just trying to explain the Evangelical view so that Catholics like the OP can better understand and better explain their view.

Great post, and I think a great way to show what Evangelicals can feel when denied, and why.

 

[Padres1969]

**And that’s part of the problem. I know Catholics that would go to church at my non-denom church and take communion with me, but when I would go to Mass with them all they would say is “you can’t, you’re not Catholic”. ** That also alters the understanding, especially when said Catholics who are should be explaining that, don’t even know.

I’m not talking about not respecting their beliefs either. That’s a no brainer that should be done, however after I re-read the OP a couple of times I’m not sure the boyfriend necessarily is either. He just thinks that all Baptized Christians should be allowed at any Communion. That probably has a lot to do with his upbringing in his church and what he has learned his entire life. One quick explanation probably isn’t going to unravel a lifetime of teaching, especially if you don’t know another way.

I’m the same way, and probably had many of the same feelings he did when my wife and I first started going to Mass together.

I’ve been going to Mass with my wife and her family for 13 years now and still don’t like the feelings I get when I’m left behind at Communion. I fully respect their beliefs, don’t come forward at all during communion (even for a blessing), but that doesn’t mean I still don’t really disagree or am given a feeling of “that’s nice you’re a Christian, but your faith is just not good enough”.

That kind of turned into a tangent, but I guess my point is the OP may never be able to reverse her boyfriends feelings, or virtually undo their teachings of open communion, but a lot of compassion from both sides would go a long way.

Might be an opportunity to help your Catholic friends out with the understanding of their own faith. They’re clearly not supposed to be receiving communion in other churches that don’t have valid sacraments (from the Catholic POV). Non-denom churches do not have valid sacraments from the Catholic POV any more than any other Protestant Church. Now they may persist in doing so, I’ve seen that in my own life with my lapsed Catholic sister who comes forward at my church when she’s attended with me despite her knowing she’s not supposed to (and I’ve told her she’s not supposed to). But the least you can do is try to inform them about their own faith, it might have more weight coming from someone outside the RCC reminding them of what their obligations as a Catholic really are in this area.

And I agree personally. I don’t like sitting behind when I’m in a Catholic Church and I prefer the open model many Protestant Churches use. And I can see how it is jarring for those that aren’t used to the closed model, particularly if their Catholic friends aren’t following their own faith’s reciprocal rules on the matter.

But it’s not a point that can be argued, just explained. The RCC isn’t going to change it’s communion rules because a few non-Catholics have a hard time understanding their POV. If they can’t get past that issue, perhaps not coming to the Catholic Church anymore would be the best way forward? That or conversion if they’re so inclined to believe the RCC’s teachings.

 

[Thorolfr]

And this is by no means a one way street. A Catholic would similarly not go into a non-denominational church and partake in their communion/table service either and knowing that might help a non-denominational Christian a bit better.

It’s not just that Catholics wouldn’t take communion in non-Catholic churches because they have better manners than everyone else and are more sensitive to the feelings of people in other denominations. The Catholic Church actually prohibits its members from taking communion in other churches. One time a Catholic in these forums said she had been taking communion in a Lutheran church, and everyone here was telling her what a terrible sin this is because the Lutheran communion is basically fake and is not the real body and blood of Christ. Lutherans, they told her, might think they have the Real Presence, but really they don’t. All they have is plain old bread and wine.

 

[Erich]

To those who think non-Catholics receiving Catholic Communion is ok… I suppose you also think sex outside of marriage is ok?

From this link: …In the Catholic Church, we believe the reception of Communion is the sign and symbol of union - union between Christ and those who receive Him, and union between all those who receive Christ in this sacrament.

In a marriage, the physical joining of husband and wife is the sign and the symbol of union between the two. If there is no union - no lifelong commitment - then the sign of union should not take place. Which means sex outside of marriage is a lie - you are saying with your bodies that a union exists, that a commitment has been made, when no such union actually exists.

Just so, it is a lie for someone who is not Catholic to receive Communion in the Catholic Church, when there is first no union with the Catholic Church. When you receive Communion in the Catholic Church, you are saying with your body that you are in union with the Church and that you believe as we believe. And not just in regard to the Real Presence, but also in regard to the Pope, to Mary, to the other Sacraments, to the Communion of Saints, the priesthood, salvation, and so on. If there is no union, there should be no Communion.

The same holds when you receive communion in a non-Catholic faith tradition. You are saying, with your body, that you believe as they believe. You are telling everyone present that there is essentially no difference between what they believe about communion and what you, as a Catholic, believe about Communion. You are telling a lie with your body. That is why Catholics should not receive communion, or the Lord’s Supper, outside the bounds of the Catholic Church.

And, if someone disagrees strongly with any (or many) teachings of the Catholic church, isn’t it understandable that he would be excluded from certain parts of our corporate worship? If he doesn’t believe what Catholics believe, then why would he want comm-union in the Church if he is not in union with the Church? That has never made any sense to me.

 

[TC3033]

Might be an opportunity to help your Catholic friends out with the understanding of their own faith. They’re clearly not supposed to be receiving communion in other churches that don’t have valid sacraments (from the Catholic POV). Non-denom churches do not have valid sacraments from the Catholic POV any more than any other Protestant Church. Now they may persist in doing so, I’ve seen that in my own life with my lapsed Catholic sister who comes forward at my church when she’s attended with me despite her knowing she’s not supposed to (and I’ve told her she’s not supposed to). But the least you can do is try to inform them about their own faith, it might have more weight coming from someone outside the RCC reminding them of what their obligations as a Catholic really are in this area.

And I agree personally. I don’t like sitting behind when I’m in a Catholic Church and I prefer the open model many Protestant Churches use. And I can see how it is jarring for those that aren’t used to the closed model, particularly if their Catholic friends aren’t following their own faith’s reciprocal rules on the matter.

But it’s not a point that can be argued, just explained. The RCC isn’t going to change it’s communion rules because a few non-Catholics have a hard time understanding their POV. If they can’t get past that issue, perhaps not coming to the Catholic Church anymore would be the best way forward? That or conversion if they’re so inclined to believe the RCC’s teachings.

It might be, but honestly they don’t care. They have beliefs with the Catholic Church that they don’t believe, and taking communion in protestant churches is one.

We’re really in agreement here. My point was to put the foot on the other shoe (if possible) and see where the Evangelical boyfriend is coming from. The same way that Catholic’s don’t necessarily comprehend why Evangelicals "don’t get"communion, and be turned around to see why Evangelicals can be so offended, and getting the difference through can take time. Like I said, I’ve been at this for over 13 years and that feeling of you’re not Christian enough is still there. That has everything to do with how I was raised, and our beliefs that communion is all Christians from no matter the denomination coming to the Lord’s table.

For others maybe think of it as when you’re at Thanksgiving where you have an adult table and a kids table. Now, it’s time for supper. While all of the adults are gathered around the table breaking bread, you’re asked to stay seated at the kids table in the other room and they’ll come get you when you’re done.

I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with closed communion, I’ve been around long enough and get it.

I’m just trying to explain to others from the Evangelical POV. To Catholics, not taking communion is expected and happens…they grew up with it, learned it, and understand it. That’s the complete opposite of the Evangelical POV, so that’s why some Evangel, non-denom, etc… get so offended by it. They would never deny anyone communion, or single them out at their church and they don’t understand it. Some may never will, others may take time.

In cases such as the OP, a little compassion can go a long way (not saying she didn’t use it. Not a lot of info on the situation and she never came back).

 

[TC3033]

To those who think non-Catholics receiving Catholic Communion is ok… I suppose you also think sex outside of marriage is ok?

From this link: …In the Catholic Church, we believe the reception of Communion is the sign and symbol of union - union between Christ and those who receive Him, and union between all those who receive Christ in this sacrament.

In a marriage, the physical joining of husband and wife is the sign and the symbol of union between the two. If there is no union - no lifelong commitment - then the sign of union should not take place. Which means sex outside of marriage is a lie - you are saying with your bodies that a union exists, that a commitment has been made, when no such union actually exists.

Just so, it is a lie for someone who is not Catholic to receive Communion in the Catholic Church, when there is first no union with the Catholic Church. When you receive Communion in the Catholic Church, you are saying with your body that you are in union with the Church and that you believe as we believe. And not just in regard to the Real Presence, but also in regard to the Pope, to Mary, to the other Sacraments, to the Communion of Saints, the priesthood, salvation, and so on. If there is no union, there should be no Communion.

The same holds when you receive communion in a non-Catholic faith tradition. You are saying, with your body, that you believe as they believe. You are telling everyone present that there is essentially no difference between what they believe about communion and what you, as a Catholic, believe about Communion. You are telling a lie with your body. That is why Catholics should not receive communion, or the Lord’s Supper, outside the bounds of the Catholic Church.

And, if someone disagrees strongly with any (or many) teachings of the Catholic church, isn’t it understandable that he would be excluded from certain parts of our corporate worship? If he doesn’t believe what Catholics believe, then why would he want comm-union in the Church if he is not in union with the Church? That has never made any sense to me.

I’ve literally tried to explain this from the Evangelical POV and why it probably doesn’t make sense to “you” (guessing Catholic) 2 or 3 times now…They (we) see communion as a time ALL Christians come together, not just certain ones. This is why many Evangelicals feel so unwelcome, insulted, insert feeling adjective here…

 

[Padres1969]

I’ve literally tried to explain this from the Evangelical POV and why it probably doesn’t make sense to you (Catholic) 2 or 3…

Oh I get the Evangelical POV, and I’m clearly not Catholic, but at the same time that’s why I suggested the best solution if teaching the reasoning and subsequent understanding aren’t coming to the OP’s boyfriend, that simply having him not come to Catholic mass might be best. It’s really not a hard concept to convey to an Evangelical (or any Protestant) in a straightforward and caring manner even if completely alien to them.

And if after that if it’s still objected to, there’s nothing more you can really do to get the point across. As you say, you as a non-Catholic attend mass because you have a good reason to do so, and even understanding the reasoning and having that good reason to attend you feel alienated during communion after over a decade. For the OP where they’re not married raising kids, if her boyfriend still objects I see no benefit for him to be going to Catholic mass.

 

[Kliska]

It might be, but honestly they don’t care. They have beliefs with the Catholic Church that they don’t believe, and taking communion in protestant churches is one.

We’re really in agreement here. My point was to put the foot on the other shoe (if possible) and see where the Evangelical boyfriend is coming from. The same way that Catholic’s don’t necessarily comprehend why Evangelicals "don’t get"communion, and be turned around to see why Evangelicals can be so offended, and getting the difference through can take time. Like I said, I’ve been at this for over 13 years and that feeling of you’re not Christian enough is still there. That has everything to do with how I was raised, and our beliefs that communion is all Christians from no matter the denomination coming to the Lord’s table.

For others maybe think of it as when you’re at Thanksgiving where you have an adult table and a kids table. Now, it’s time for supper. While all of the adults are gathered around the table breaking bread, you’re asked to stay seated at the kids table in the other room and they’ll come get you when you’re done.

I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with closed communion, I’ve been around long enough and get it.

I’m just trying to explain to others from the Evangelical POV. To Catholics, not taking communion is expected and happens…they grew up with it, learned it, and understand it. That’s the complete opposite of the Evangelical POV, so that’s why some Evangel, non-denom, etc… get so offended by it. They would never deny anyone communion, or single them out at their church and they don’t understand it. Some may never will, others may take time.

In cases such as the OP, a little compassion can go a long way (not saying she didn’t use it. Not a lot of info on the situation and she never came back).

You’re doing a very good job explaining it.

 

[TC3033]

Oh I get the Evangelical POV, and I’m clearly not Catholic, but at the same time that’s why I suggested the best solution if teaching the reasoning and subsequent understanding aren’t coming to the OP’s boyfriend, that simply having him not come to Catholic mass might be best. It’s really not a hard concept to convey to an Evangelical (or any Protestant) in a straightforward and caring manner even if completely alien to them.

And if after that if it’s still objected to, there’s nothing more you can really do to get the point across. As you say, you as a non-Catholic attend mass because you have a good reason to do so, and even understanding the reasoning and having that good reason to attend you feel alienated during communion after over a decade. For the OP where they’re not married raising kids, if her boyfriend still objects I see no benefit for him to be going to Catholic mass.

Yep, I think we’re pretty much in agreement.

It’s not a hard concept to convey, no…, but it may be hard to comprehend or accept (in their heart) because it’s so different from what they’ve learned and lived (it could be the only way they’ve know their entire life).

Overall they’ll accept it, be cordial and respectful, but will probably leave Mass feeling a little empty (and maybe a touch resentful). I know I do.

Agreed, it’s really up to them if that’s something they can handle or not.

 

[Thorolfr]

Yep, I think we’re pretty much in agreement.

It’s not a hard concept to convey, no…, but it may be hard to comprehend or accept (in their heart) because it’s so different from what they’ve learned and lived (it could be the only way they’ve know their entire life).

Overall they’ll accept it, be cordial and respectful, but will probably leave Mass feeling a little empty (and maybe a touch resentful). I know I do.

Agreed, it’s really up to them if that’s something they can handle or not.

The extent to which Christians are divided when compared to other religions is a little sad, really.

For example, any Muslim, whether they are Shi’ite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, follow the Hanbali school of law or the Hanafi school of law, are welcome to participate in communal prayer at any mosque in complete equality with each other. It doesn’t matter that Sunnis and Shi’is pray slightly differently, they can all line up together during communal prayer and pray together.

I don’t know a lot about Buddhism, but I believe that any Buddhist, regardless of the sect he belongs to, can pray in any Buddhist temple.

 

[Padres1969]

The extent to which Christians are divided when compared to other religions is a little sad, really.

For example, any Muslim, whether they are Shi’ite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, follow the Hanbali school of law or the Hanafi school of law, are welcome to participate in communal prayer at any mosque in complete equality with each other. It doesn’t matter that Sunnis and Shi’is pray slightly differently, they can all line up together during communal prayer and pray together.

I don’t know a lot about Buddhism, but I believe that any Buddhist, regardless of the sect he belongs to, can pray in any Buddhist temple.

Well technically any Christian can go into any Christian Church and can pray just as those religions you mention do. Where we differ has more to do with tradition and ceremony than it does who we pray to in the very basic sense. And indeed Shia and Sunni Muslims for instance aren’t unified on how their own tradition and ceremony are dealt with even if they’re both praying to Allah.

 

[Thorolfr]

Well technically any Christian can go into any Christian Church and can pray just as those religions you mention do. Where we differ has more to do with tradition and ceremony than it does who we pray to in the very basic sense. And indeed Shia and Sunni Muslims for instance aren’t unified on how their own tradition and ceremony are dealt with even if they’re both praying to Allah.

It’s not just that Sunni and Shia Muslims are both praying to Allah. A Shi’ite Muslim could go to any mosque, including one that mostly has Sunnis in it, and pray there shoulder to shoulder with the Sunnis on each side of him. It would be valid for this Shi’ite Muslim to pray behind a Sunni prayer leader. All Muslims regardless of sect participate together in the hajj as well. It would, on the other hand, be unusual for a non-Catholic to even go into a Catholic Church during worship. I’ve only been maybe once in my life. And most Catholics who aren’t converts have probably never been to a Pentecostal service or a Lutheran one, or a Seventh Day Adventist one, etc.

 

[Padres1969]

It’s not just that Sunni and Shia Muslims are both praying to Allah. A Shi’ite Muslim could go to any mosque, including one that mostly has Sunnis in it, and pray there shoulder to shoulder with the Sunnis on each side of him. It would be valid for this Shi’ite Muslim to pray behind a Sunni prayer leader.

True, but for many Christians it would similarly be valid to go and pray with another faith tradition and have it be “valid”.

Again this is where Catholicism is somewhat unique (and legalistic) even in Christianity that it doesn’t see other Christian services as being “valid”, for example for the Sunday obligation. But for example I could go to a Catholic mass this Sunday for whatever reason I’d be doing so, and it would be “valid” in so much as my church cares about validity. Or the same would go for if I went with my cousin to his non-denominational church this week, or the ELCA church down the street from my house.

 

[TC3033]

True, but for many Christians it would similarly be valid to go and pray with another faith tradition and have it be “valid”.

Again this is where Catholicism is somewhat unique (and legalistic) even in Christianity that it doesn’t see other Christian services as being “valid”, for example for the Sunday obligation. But for example I could go to a Catholic mass this Sunday for whatever reason I’d be doing so, and it would be “valid” in so much as my church cares about validity. Or the same would go for if I went with my cousin to his non-denominational church this week, or the ELCA church down the street from my house.

And that, my friend, can also add to the issue and probably isn’t a can of worms we need to open.

 

[MT1926]

True, but for many Christians it would similarly be valid to go and pray with another faith tradition and have it be “valid”.

Again this is where Catholicism is somewhat unique (and legalistic) even in Christianity that it doesn’t see other Christian services as being “valid”, for example for the Sunday obligation. But for example I could go to a Catholic mass this Sunday for whatever reason I’d be doing so, and it would be “valid” in so much as my church cares about validity. Or the same would go for if I went with my cousin to his non-denominational church this week, or the ELCA church down the street from my house.

This exact topic is the reason why a Catholic still has to attend mass at a Catholic church even if he goes to his cousins non-denominational church.

Here is a quick question/answer from this site:

Full Question

Many Protestants celebrate communion on occasion; Catholics celebrate it at every Mass as an integral part of their worship. If Christ’s death atoned for all sins, why is it celebrated at each Mass?
Answer

The Mass holds the place it does in Catholic worship because becomes of the Real Presence of Christ in the Catholic Eucharist. When Jesus has deigned to become present in that manner, it automatically becomes the most important form of worship.
There are many forms of Catholic worship beside the Mass, and the celebration of the Eucharist is not the only part of the Mass. But it remains the case–and rightly so–that the Mass and the celebration of the Eucharist within the Mass are, as Vatican II put it, “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium 11).

If the Catholic doesn’t go to mass to celebrate the Eucharist our Sunday obligation is not fulfilled. Basically no Eucharist no mass.

Here is another quick question from this site:

Full Question

Why is skipping Mass such a grievous sin as opposed to murder, which directly harms the life of another person? Skipping Mass affects no one but myself and God.

Answer

“Skipping Mass affects no one but myself and God.” And God? Since when are human persons more important than God?

There is an infinite difference between measuring God by our standards and measuring ourselves by his. We have to start with God when we look at everything. Since he came first, he comes first. He is not just a bigger version of us. He has commanded us to “Keep holy the Lord’s day,” and he has a right to demand this of us. Anything of value in our lives (including human life) has value only because of his infinitely greater value. **But Mass is not just a matter of acknowledging his sovereignty, which is what worship is. It is being present at the foot of the cross and giving thanks for the Passion and death that he endured for our benefit.
**
He loves us so much that he underwent all that suffering to demonstrate his love for us in a way we could somewhat understand. To skip Mass is one of many ways of turning our backs on that love.

Answered by: Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P.

 

[Padres1969]

This exact topic is the reason why a Catholic still has to attend mass at a Catholic church even if he goes to his cousins non-denominational church.

CA Q&A Removed

True, and many non-Catholics understand that be it because they’re former Catholics or they hang out on CAF a lot. But having gone through this thread I can see why some non-Catholics may have difficulty with this point even if it has been explained to them. Perhaps the Catholic idea of what the Eucharist has become so foreign from some forms of Christian thought that they just can’t wrap their heads around it.

It’s not everyone, many Christian denominations are not unlike the Catholics in reserving Communion/Eucharist for professing members of the faith. And some that are open, never the less assume people won’t come up for communion unless invited to do so. My own faith is like this, where our Dean during announcements between the Word and Communion will invite the entire congregation to come up for communion and the invitation is repeated again at the conclusion of the Eucharistic prayers.

But clearly some denominations see the bread and wine as something that is to be shared with all professing Christians despite Catholic thought on the Eucharist. And I’m beginning to understand there are several reasons they might object to being left out. Chief among them, that is means they’re not “Christian” in the eyes of the Catholic Church. And while the exact reasoning isn’t exactly that, it’s not far off. Non-Catholics, to the Catholic way of thought, do not have the fullness of truth, and are not members of Christ’s “one true church” on Earth. So in a way, yes, the RCC is saying you’re not a full member of Christ’s church and so you can’t receive.

And another reason for confusion seems to be many individual Catholics themselves. As mentioned by another earlier, Catholics they’re with often partake of the communion/table/sacrament at non-Catholic churches. When they’re absolutely not supposed to do so. This can help perpetuate the confusion in that Catholics are suddenly partaking at someone else’s church, but then not reciprocating when the reasons Catholics aren’t supposed to partake at a non-Catholic service are directly corresponding to the reasons the RCC doesn’t let non-Catholics partake of Catholic Eucharist. A question would be, what makes a Catholic ignore the Church’s teaching in this matter, and thus add to the confusion?

 

[jlhargus]

Hey guys. So my boyfriend of one year is a Nondenominational Evangelical Free Christian, and he feels very discriminated against by the Catholic Church because he isn’t allowed to receive Communion. How do I explain to him in a gentle way why he can’t, and convince him he isn’t being “discriminated against”? Nothing I’ve tried has worked. The fact that we believe the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ is irrelevant to him. He thinks that he should be allowed to receive because he’s a Christian. I don’t know what to do or say anymore…

[1Cor11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, **unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

There are two ways to discern the Eucharist. It is the body and blood of Christ or its symbolic. Who eats and drinks damnation, who does so unworthily? The one who does not discern the Lord’s body.

 

[MT1926]

A question would be, what makes a Catholic ignore the Church’s teaching in this matter, and thus add to the confusion?

The answer to the question is Catholic ignorance. Meaning a “lack of knowledge or information.” I can honestly say I wasn’t catechized well as a youth. That is one problem in the Catholic church, that is slowly being fixed, with the coming generations.

Being a Catholic can be difficult at times, there is quite a bit to learn, but you know I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have seen so many times in my life, that when something comes to easy the person tends not to value it as time goes on. My older brother was this way with sports and school. Ended up dropping out of college. With hard work comes greater respect for the gifts you have in your life.

God Bless

 

[Memaw]

Can what a Catholic believes (as opposed to what they do), cause them to be in a state of mortal sin? For example, if a Catholic believes that using contraception is OK (just as a matter of personal belief, not as an action on their part), would that cause them to be in a state of mortal sin?

Didn’t Jesus say, IF a man looks at a women with lust, he has committed adultery with her in his heart ? Wouldn’t the same thing apply here. Like saying, “I’m pro-life but I think others should be able to get an abortion if that’s what they want.” We can’t have it both ways. God Bless, Memaw