Question on Cadinal Kasper Statements

[TOME]

I have been looking at the various responses for this thread (mine included) I have have come to these conclusions and questions.

First, none of us were there, we don’t know what really happened, we are only basing our judgments on second and perhaps third hand reports. Always a dangerous thing to do.

Second, I don’t disagree with any of the post that expresses not only their love for and dignity and meaning of the Eucharist and respect for the Church’s rules for the reception of this Sacrament.
However, we are talking about an actual event that took place yet I haven’t seen anyone posting a guideline from the Vatican nor the local Church on how to handle such an event and how to prevent thos those who should not receive Communion from receiving the Eucharist.

Third, I was under the impression, which may be in error, that during events such as this, or say matter a wedding, unless the the Eucharistic Minister has specific knowledge that the person presenting himself to receive communion, the Eucharist should be given to him ? Am I wrong on this?

Fourth, I see the word ABUSE use alot. Is it an abuse if a person receives the Eucharist when he shouldn’t, yet the Eucharist Minister is acting in good faith? Or does the culpability lie with the one who receives the Eucharist unworthily?

Fifth, Some may say that steps should have been taken to prevent anyone from receiving the Eucharist unworthily, but I ask, What Step? What practical steps would you propose?

Sixth, Did this service receive Ecclesical Sanction by the Local Bishop and what was the Vatican’s response to the events we have been discussing?

 

[mairegrrrl]

mosher:

The problem is that the faithful stand idle saying “who am I to question a successor of the apostles?” … that is a problem.

Mosher, an appropriate question if one is duly qualified to ask. I have no problem with people trying to understand what’s going on at church, who’s doing what where when, why, how, etc. I have the most problem with those who make ostentatious accusations, i.e. Gottle of Geer Quote “The higher the rank of the cleric who does it, the greater the crime committed.” or ScottyPGH “Please don’t be confused by wordy, modernist bishop-speak” (btw, the time is post-modernity). I understand all three of you are attempting to be faithful and ask questions but to antagonize and attack the character of a 1. a well-respected cardinal, 2.moderate theologian, and 3. overall nice guy shows a lack of generosity of spirit on your part.

The consistent attacks on bishops/cardinals/etc. who they themselves are faithful servants searching for answers is not only inappropriate but distasteful. AND if you do feel so inclined to challenge someone theogically, remember Aquinas’ notion of discourse. Be accurate and astute; not sloppy and obtuse.

 

[fix]

mairegrrrl:

modernist bishop-speak" (btw, the time is post-modernity)

I only want to bring up twp points. First, I believe the poster was using the term modernist as intending the heresy of modernism, not modern or post modern time frames.

Second, it is my humble opinion that one big reason we so much dissent is not due to folks drawing appropriate conclusions, but a tolerance of hyper clericalism that verbally strikes down anyone who points out the obvious.

The laity may need to be on the forefront of asking the clergy to be faithful in all things.

 

[msproule]

Cardinal Kasper wrote:
The fact that in the present situation it is not possible, in the name of truth, that all Christians should gather around the Lord’s one table and participate in the one Supper of the Lord, is a profound wound inflicted on the body of Christ and, in the end, a scandal," the cardinal writes.
I agree with those posters who do not interpret this to mean that Holy Communion should be received by Christians of all existing denominations. Rather, I believe this passage states that the scandal is that Christianity has been fractioned into so many denominations in disunity with Christ’s True Church. The scandal is not that the Church has forbidden others from receiving the Blessed Sacrament, but that they have separated themselves from the Eucharist.

The same holds true for the Papacy, which is the other unifying grace that has been forsaken by many non-Catholics.

 

[Roman_Army]

I support Kasper. He didn’t mean it as in saying that the church should lift its restrictions on the reception. He meant that it is a scandal on the part of humanity to be so weak and doubtful of this great mystery and to disobey authority and doubt the church’s infallibility. He’s a very orthodox man, he is publishing this book to appologize against people who say that the Eucharist is an “obstacle” for unity. The Eucharist is in fact the opposite of that, it is what brings us into unity with the Mystical Body of Christ.

 

[puzzleannie]

since the Vatican has not condemned Walter Kaspar as a heretic, suspended his faculties and forbidden him to teach and preach, therefore he is not a heretic, and no amount of argument on the part of lay people here or anyplace else can make it so. Pope holds all the trumps.

 

[fix]

puzzleannie:

since the Vatican has not condemned Walter Kaspar as a heretic, suspended his faculties and forbidden him to teach and preach, therefore he is not a heretic, and no amount of argument on the part of lay people here or anyplace else can make it so. Pope holds all the trumps.

I have not said the cardinal is a heretic, but in a general sense there may be plenty of material heretics in the church that have not been formally convicted of heresy.

 

[Protoclete]

If Cardinal Kasper is a heretic, material or otherwise, than so was John Paul the Great. I can’t believe this was a serious question!

The Eucharist is both sign and source of unity. Thats as orthodox as it gets. And if there’s anyone who knows what’s appropriate and what isn’t regarding Eucharist and Ecumenism, its Cardinal Kasper, the popes top Ecumenical expert!