The most effective way of fighting “eucharist” sales – that may or may not be authentic – is to remain at peace, which the world cannot take from us unless we let it.
Each eucharistic minister is charged with seeing the host consumed. Beyond that it is not our job to go chasing through the streets every time somebody drives by the church holding up a wafer and claiming it is the eucharist.
If they are authentic, they will bring their own judgment on those who handle it poorly.
The more excited we get about this, the more that proves to the sellers there is a high emotional value to this product, that can be converted to cash if done right. Who really thinks a focused effort on ebay will shut down the black market for consecrated eucharists in Rome?
The problem is not ebay. The problem is that these people are jerking our strings and getting us all upset.
Boycotts are fine. Letters and requests are fine. Spewing anger, hacking, dishonest bidding practices, and the like just brings us to their level. Lawsuits? Pulleeze. We have enough laws intended to enforce morality and they inevitably fail.
If we keep the war on spiritual terms we will win. This is not something that worldly practices will protect. I would be very afraid if congress passes a law protecting consecrated hosts any more than unconsecrated hosts. Then again, I guess I’m old fashioned because I also am very afraid of our existing “hate crime” legislation.
Since my quote from “Rufus” above didn’t seem to catch anyone’s notice, here’s the actual passage I was trying to parody:
Matt 5:38-44 said:
"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
Does anyone but me see some advice from Christ in this passage that just might be applicable? Is this sale of eucharists so outrageous that we can’t trust Christ’s teachings to show us the best way? I’ve known a lot of Catholics who sit around and preach Good News all day but when they’re tested like this they go back and pick up all the old guns they had before they had the two-edged sword of Truth.
Not surprising. When people panic they tend to act desperate. Even Christ blew His top once, at least, so there is no way I intend to accuse or condemn. Gold is tested and purified by fire, as we are. When met with a challenge, are we going to follow steadfastly what Christ taught us, or are we going to try to get people with guns to force others to conform to our behavioral standards?
If we try to play keepaway with these people, we will play the fool in the middle. I was picked on all the time in the (Catholic) school parking lot. They would take things from me and then toss them over my head and watch me go frantic trying to reclaim it. I want to grow out of that, and I invite others to join me.
Whew! What a soapbox. I’ll have a double dose of pride, please! Oh, that’s right, I just had one.
Alan
