Understanding the Eucharist

[kellie]

Herrobp:

I’m not too advanced with this sort of thing, I’m only 24. But I’ve had some crises of faith. When I was 20 I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I almost died, but I’m in remission now and almost cured. Anyway I had some faith issues, and in my confession before last rites (when I thought I wasn’t going to make it) my priest told me that feelings are deceptive.

Sometimes they even come from Satan. He told me that I was a good person, in the state of grace, and in a time of need. Even though I didn’t feel the presence of God, He was closest to me at that moment (like the footprints story). Problems arise when we become too attached to feelings. Too often there are times when people are in the state of mortal sin (complete detachment from the grace of God) yet they feel close to Him. That feeling belies the truth.

Communion is the same way. I have troubles “feeling” like it’s a big deal, but I “know” that it is. I pray accordingly. You don’t have too feel worked up over it. You don’t have to feel the presence of God when you receive Him in the sacrament. Just “know” that He is there. It’s a matter of faith. If I based my faith on feelings, I’d be an atheist.

Hope that helps.

Wow, Im glad you are still here to share that wonderful story.
May God completely heal you.
I too have been through many tragedies, miscarriage, divorce, and a boyfriend suiciding.
I continued on with my Faith, not feeling anything though, just numbness, but “knowing” it was the right thing to do.
Feelings can be the wrong thing to base things on sometimes as you said.
All the best with your health
Love Kellie

 

[ecs_220]

crimson dragon:

…I see many people talking about overwhelming emotion or love for [the Eucharist]. For me, it’s just part of the routine, I take it in my hands, I eat, make the sign of the cross, kneel, do a small prayer, etc. However, many here and elsewhere speak of it having an emotional attachment as well. Am I missing something here? .

Emotions are tricky things, Crimson; I’m a man in my 50’s who can get a lump in his throat when Judy Garland says goodbye to Ray Bolger’s fictional Scarecrow but, like you, has yet to be swept up in blissful rapture at the very *real * Eucharist. I do , however, recognize the fact of His Reality in the Holy Sacrament on an *intellectual * level, because that’s the way my mind and personality work. For some of us, I suppose it’s just as well, as such a deep revelation would leave us overwhelmed. I attend Mass nearly every day, and I do know that when I have not received Him in the Eucharist over a period of time, I really do feel empty – maybe that’s something vaguely akin to what others have expressed.

 

[Herrobp]

kellie:

Wow, Im glad you are still here to share that wonderful story.
May God completely heal you.
I too have been through many tragedies, miscarriage, divorce, and a boyfriend suiciding.
I continued on with my Faith, not feeling anything though, just numbness, but “knowing” it was the right thing to do.
Feelings can be the wrong thing to base things on sometimes as you said.
All the best with your health
Love Kellie

Kellie,
Thank you so much for the encouragement and the blessing. I know the numb feeling, I still have it. But I guess that comes from the enemy. Keep up the faith though. I will pray for you, your boyfriend, your child, and your ex husband. Please pray for me as well.

God bless you,
Love,
-Brian

 

[ATexasCatholic]

crimson dragon:

I feel confusion on part of people’s love of the eucharist, adoration, etc. I fully understand the meaning and purpose behind the eucharist, don’t get me wrong, however I see many people talking about overwhelming emotion or love for it. For me, it’s just part of the routine, I take it in my hands, I eat, make the sign of the cross, kneel, do a small prayer, etc. However, many here and elsewhere speak of it having an emotional attachment as well. Am I missing something here? Maybe I’m just not that type of person, but i thought maybe you could help and try and expain your experiences or thoughts on this to help me understand it better. Sometimes I feel guilty not feeling like that, so I hope you guys could help me out a little bit, thanks.

I do not want to sound judgmental, but as you said it is part your of the routine that you feel the way you do. I can say for myself that when things are routine for me it longer is special. The Eucharist and adoration are special because I know there is nothing routine about receiving The Real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. When I receive Eucharist in my hands that becomes the center of my life, at that moment I have the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, Heaven on Earth.

 

[Beaver]

I suggest you get a copy of the book, Sex and the Sacred City by Steven Kellmeyer. It is a easy read and you will fall in love with the sacraments.