Bible Study Lords Supper

[theleast]

How do you view the Lords Supper?

1. Memorial
2. Celebration

I view the Lords Supper primarily as a Celebration and as a rededication of the Covenant (Jer 31:31) that was fullfilled by Christ when he said, "This is the blood of the Covenant"

I view the cross, as symbolic of the Alter. We join at the table to celebrate the new covenant in Christ's blood while wecommune with the body of Christ where Christ himself is the host.

Any questions?

God Bless.

Isn't the cross a graven image?

 

[stovebolts]

Hi Pogo,

Thanks for taking the time to do an outline on chapter 10. I thought it was a pretty good outline in all.

Additionally, you may disagree with me, but, regarding the NT scriptures, I see fellowshipping, when mentioned, to mean partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

I wouldn't say that I have any disagreement at all. I believe that Scripture supports that when we partake of the Lord's Supper, we are fellowshipping with both the Body of believers (Church) and with Christ through the Holy Spirit all offered up to our Father.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 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. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.


When I read this, I see many of the problems that the church at Corinth faced as secular and cultural belief's overtook the purpose of their gatherings.

1. They argued about who's baptism they were baptised with. 1:12
2. There is acceptable fornication going on. 5:1-2
3. They are sueing each other over disputable matters that should not be occuring. 6:7-8
4. They were leaning toward works in the Law, not faith. 7:20
5. They fell into idolitry. 10:14
6. They were sharing communion with the demons. 10:20
7. There were divisions and heresies among them 11:18-19
8. When they came to the Lord's Table, it became a social statment on who's who. 11:20

When we come to the Lord's Table, Jesus is the Host and we are his guests. Based on the example of the meals with Jesus as outlined in Luke, I believe the issues at Corinth begin to emerge more clearly.

 

[stovebolts]

How do you view the Lords Supper?

1. Memorial
2. Celebration

I view the Lords Supper primarily as a Celebration and as a rededication of the Covenant (Jer 31:31) that was fullfilled by Christ when he said, "This is the blood of the Covenant"

I view the cross, as symbolic of the Alter. We join at the table to celebrate the new covenant in Christ's blood while wecommune with the body of Christ where Christ himself is the host.

Any questions?

God Bless.

Isn't the cross a graven image?

I believe I address this on page two and early on at page 3.

In summary, Atonement was made at Altar. Alter was where affirmation and rededication of the Covenant occurred. Alter was a solemn event. Table is where one celebrated in fellowship the renewing and rededication of the promise / Covenant.

In short, the alter (cross) grounds the table. Without the Cross, there is no Table.

 

[lovely]

Jeff,

I was wondering about the supper at Mary and Martha's...why is that discipleship exactly...I am failing to understand for some reason.

 

[stovebolts]

Hi Tina,

Great question

Well, we can look at this story from many different angels, and one of them is the aspect of discipleship which you have raised a question of. I must admit, when I first looked at this meal, I didn’t quite understand what it had to do with discipleship either. With that, let’s have some fun!

First, what do we know about Martha and Mary? (Please read the verses noted)

1. Luke 7:36-50. (John 11:1-2) Mary was a very sinful woman, yet showed true repentance by washing the feet of Jesus with her tears.
2. John 11:1-39 Mary and Martha met Jesus after the death of their brother Lazarus.
3. John 12:1-8 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume before his death to the displeasure of Judas.

Martha appears to be the older of the two sisters and also the most outspoken. As we have seen in Luke 7, Mary is at the feet of Jesus. In Luke 10, we find Mary once again at the feet of Jesus captivated by his words and saturated in his love. This paints a beautiful picture of the heart of a true disciple of Christ; That is, one who is wholly captivated by Christ and is not only willing, but has a true and sincere desire to listen to his words and put them in practice.

Martha on the other hand contrasts the heart of Mary in all three examples. As far as the meal, Martha’s ministry is serving Christ as shown by her attention given in preparing the meal. Martha is clearly angry with Mary for not “doing her duty†as host. Thus, when Jesus says, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from herâ€Â, we get a clear picture of what’s important as a true disciple of Christ. It’s not that what Martha was doing (preparing bread) was wrong, but rather her attitude which can be related somewhat to a works based style of belief. Though Martha’s ministry of serving is commendable, we must not lose our dependence on Christ.

When we come to the Lord’s Table as true disciples, Jesus is host and we need to come before the Lord’s Table with the attitude and heart like that of Mary. After all, Jesus is the true bread of life and we ought to be his humble servants as we sit at his feet in admiration intently listening to His voice.

This should get us started, and I'm sure you or others can add to this. :D

 

[one_lost_coin]

The Didache [70-100 AD]
Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion. But after you are filled, give thanks this way: Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

and yet it is as many on this thread are saying it is so much more.

Pope John Paul wrote so well in Ecclesia de Eucharistia -

The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways she joyfully experiences the constant fulfilment of the promise: “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age†(Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope.

The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian lifeâ€Â.1 “For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself, our passover and living bread. Through his own flesh, now made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he offers life to menâ€Â.2 Consequently the gaze of the Church is constantly turned to her Lord, present in the Sacrament of the Altar, in which she discovers the full manifestation of his boundless love.

 

[one_lost_coin]

Hi Tina,

...When we come to the Lord’s Table as true disciples, Jesus is host and we need to come before the Lord’s Table with the attitude and heart like that of Mary. After all, Jesus is the true bread of life and we ought to be his humble servants as we sit at his feet in admiration intently listening to His voice...

:D

The above would describe fairly well what is commonly reffered to as Eucharistic Adoration which is a profound prayer/contemplation in/of the Real presence of our Lord. I am very blessed to be able to enter into prayer in this way weekly where I live.

Eucharist or Holy Communion would comprise more than just sitting and listening to His voice but to actually eat Him as He seems to go through great legnths to emphasize in John 6. It has been said earlier that that is to take Him too literaly. It would seem from the text He wanted to make sure it could not be taken any other way.

 

[Catholic Crusader]

....Eucharist or Holy Communion would comprise more than just sitting and listening to His voice but to actually eat Him as He seems to go through great legnths to emphasize in John 6. It has been said earlier that that is to take Him to literaly. It would seem from the text He wanted to make sure it could not be taken any other way.

That is Biblically sound.

 

[stovebolts]

Hello one_lost_coin and thank you for your wonderful contribution to this thread.

While I not only understand, but respect your take on John 6:54-55, I must say, as I have stated previously that I have not as of yet been brought to the same conclusion that you have. However, that does not mean that I do not find it biblical that Christ is present when we partake of the emblems.
Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV) "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

(Strongs 2169. Eucharistia, gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship):--thankfulness, (giving of) thanks(-giving))

When we partake of the Eucharist, I believe that Christ is present in and through His body, which is the Church. (Colossians 1:18) What I have been trying to accomplish in this thread is to convey that when we come together as a community of believers to the Lord’s Table [regardless if you are labeled as a Protestant or Catholic], it (the Lords Supper / Eucharist) is a very dynamic event. Yes, Christ is present, but in more ways than just the bread or wine, rather, he is the sustenance which fills our inner hunger, and our inner thirst which we feed upon in our daily lives. It is Christ who binds his family together. Just as humanity was created in His image where the ordinary and the divine meet, Christ is present when we come to His table. And just like any ordinary table where a family gathers, there are many different conversations all going on, including disagreements. What keeps the family together is the one who sits at the head of the Table, which is Jesus.

John 6:63 (NIV) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to youâ€â€they are full of the Spirit and life.

For as Christ also spoke,

John 4:23 (NIV) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

When we come to the Lord’s Table, let it not be misrepresented or reduced to a cracker or a sip of grape juice / wine with the label, “Memorialâ€Â, or “real Flesh / real bloodâ€Â. It is a time to encounter our Lord through divine fellowship in Holy worship all offered to our Father in heaven.

 

[lovely]

Okay, thanks Jeff,

I understand what you are saying now. I was thinking about worship when I first read the passage. Mary seems to be adoring Him, and clinging to Him, sitting at His feet, and simply just 'feasting' on His very presence. I suppose this is an aspect of discipleship.

When I take communion, I feel His presence. It seems like it is celebration, and also a rememberance, for my spirit which is alive in Christ and thankful for His Sacrifice on the cross. Jesus came in the flesh, to be our Sacrifice, and we are to eat of Him Spiritually, but we do that in a physical form through the breaking of bread, and taking of wine. I am not positive about it actually becoming His flesh and blood, but it does seem to be more than an emblem given life is in His blood, and heavenly beings are witnessing. There is also a warning attached that manifests itself in the flesh if unheeded. He said He was the bread from Heaven, Manna, but this is for the living. God is the God of the living, not the dead. Those who are in the flesh, bound to sin, will be judged in the flesh...they can not partake of Spiritual food until they do so in the Spirit. I do not think that unbelievers should partake of communion, but I do agree that sinners were who He invited to His table...I am a sinner in the flesh, though no longer bound to it because of His blood, the remission for my sins.

Thanks, and just some thoughts as I read along here.

 

[one_lost_coin]

While I not only understand, but respect your take on John 6:54-55,... ...When we partake of the Eucharist, I believe that Christ is present in and through His body, which is the Church. (Colossians 1:18) What I have been trying to accomplish in this thread is to convey that when we come together as a community of believers to the Lord’s Table [regardless if you are labeled as a Protestant or Catholic], it (the Lords Supper / Eucharist) is a very dynamic event. Yes, Christ is present, but in more ways than just the bread or wine, rather, he is the sustenance which fills our inner hunger, and our inner thirst which we feed upon in our daily lives. It is Christ who binds his family together. Just as humanity was created in His image where the ordinary and the divine meet, Christ is present when we come to His table. And just like any ordinary table where a family gathers, there are many different conversations all going on, including disagreements. What keeps the family together is the one who sits at the head of the Table, which is Jesus...

I actually was wanting to be deliberate about all of John 6 in its entirty as I think it is all the elements of this story together that help protect it from misinterpretation.

And I also understand what you are getting at and it is that very belief that is preventing us from sharing in communion together because the truth of the Eucharist is to unite us with Christ and with each other and we are close to expressing this together but not quit.

Jesus is the Eucharist and it by partaking of the food and literaly having God in us that joins us. That truth is too important to compromise so important that I need to make sure I expressed it in the most correct way and I am not sure I did I will have to get back if I need to wite that better. But Protestants and Catholics do not share that table together (actually some protestants and protestants don't recieve together) you are mistaken and we all know that that is very sad. We also cannot make it less than it truly is and in essence partake of anything less than what God wants for us. It cannot be a false unity based on nothing more than just wanting to get along but on the Truth.

We are to recieve it and be unified in it but that is a true unity of faith with the whole Church including those who came before us and with those who come after us. The entire Body of Christ is to be unified in the true faith. The Early Church believed unanimously, that is, there is no dissension, all completely believed this point alike, without exeption. That Christ is Really and Truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. That the Bread and Wine Truly become the Body and Blood of our Lord and that we are to partake of Him in this Holy Mystery.

These were the people who learned first hand from the Apostles who learned it straight from God. The chances of them who heard the Apostles with there own ears and all being completely unified in faith and thought interpreting this wrong and we moderns who have never actually met and lived, walked and talked with the Apostles being able to correct them when we can't even agree amongst ourselves is not even worth imagining.

Much of what you have wrote is true hold on to that but it is so much more. Visit a Catholic or Orthodox Church and just observe the faith expressed through the Liturgy that celebrates the pinnacle of Christian Life and has been observed for 2000 years. It stops me from even being able to speak when I recieve.

 

[stovebolts]

Thank you Tina for your words. I hope my reply to one_lost_coin addresses your comment about non-believers partaking of the Lord's Supper.

one_lost_coin,

I admit that there is much mystery in the Eucharist. However, let it be known by your own words who it is that divides us under the guise of compromise. While I admire your stance, I respectfully disagree with your conclusion. Jesus was willing to fellowship with us where we are at. Jesus at with sinners, tax collectors and yes, even those who did not believe He was the Son of God as shown in the meals outlined in Luke.

As far as the early Church Fathers being of one mind on the matter, what you speak of is not found in the Didache or St. Clements letter to Rome, which are, I believe, some of the earliest manuscripts outside of the cannon. I'll do some homework if I get the time, but I believe, if memory serves me, and again, I'm going off memory here, so please excuse me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Jerome who first started speaking about the Eucharist as being the Body and Blood of Christ being he saw his own death through martyrdom inevitable?

Actually, this is what St. Clement of Rome (St. John's direct disciple) has to say about the Blood of Christ,

Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ and understand how precious it is unto His Father, because being shed for our salvation it won for the whole world the grace of repentance.

And the Didache,

Now about the thanksgiving, give thanks this way:

First, about the cup: "We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of your boy David which you made known to us through your boy Jesus. Glory be to you for the age.

Now about the broken loaf: "We thank you, our Father, for the life and the knowledge that you made known to us through your boy Jesus. Glory be to you for the age. Just as this broken loaf was scattered on top of the hills and as it was gathered together and became one, in the same way let your assembly be gathered together from the remotest parts of the land into your kingdom. "For yours is the glory and the power through Anointed Jesus for the age." Now no one should either eat or drink from your thanksgiving meal, but those who have been baptized into the Lord's name. For about this also the Lord said, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs."

Now after you have been filled, give thanks this way: "We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name, which you made to live in our hearts, and for the knowledge and trust and immortality which you made known to us through Jesus your boy. Glory be to you for the age.

"Almighty master, it was you who created all for the sake of your name. You gave both food and drink to people for enjoyment, so that they might give thanks to you. But to us you have freely given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your boy. Before all things, we are thankful to you that you are powerful. Glory be to you for the age.

"O Lord, remember your assembly, remember to rescue it from every evil and to make it complete in your love, and to gather it from the four winds into your kingdom which you prepared for it--it, which has been made holy. For yours is the power and the glory for the age.

"Let generosity come, and let this universe pass away. Hosanna to David's son! If someone is holy, let him come. If someone is not, he should change his mind. Marana-tha. A-mein."

 

[Catholic Crusader]

...I am not positive about it actually becoming His flesh and blood, but it does seem to be more than an emblem given life is in His blood....

Let’s see what some early Christians thought, keeping in mind that we can learn much about how Scripture should be interpreted by examining the writings of early Christians.

Ignatius of Antioch, who had been a disciple of the apostle John and who wrote a letter to the Smyrnaeans about A.D. 110, said, referring to "those who hold heterodox opinions," that "they abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in his goodness, raised up again" (6:2, 7:1).

Forty years later, Justin Martyr, wrote, "Not as common bread or common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, . . . is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus" (First Apology 66:1–20).

Origen, in a homily written about A.D. 244, attested to belief in the Real Presence. "I wish to admonish you with examples from your religion. You are accustomed to take part in the divine mysteries, so you know how, when you have received the Body of the Lord, you reverently exercise every care lest a particle of it fall and lest anything of the consecrated gift perish. You account yourselves guilty, and rightly do you so believe, if any of it be lost through negligence" (Homilies on Exodus 13:3).

Cyril of Jerusalem, in a catechetical lecture presented in the mid-300s, said, "Do not, therefore, regard the bread and wine as simply that, for they are, according to the Master’s declaration, the body and blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy
of the body and blood of Christ" (Catechetical Discourses: Mystagogic 4:22:9).

In a fifth-century homily, Theodore of Mopsuestia seemed to be speaking to today’s Evangelicals and Fundamentalists: "When [Christ] gave the bread he did not say, ‘This is the symbol of my body,’ but, ‘This is my body.’ In the same way, when he gave the cup of his blood he did not say, ‘This is the symbol of my blood,’ but, ‘This is my blood,’ for he wanted us to look upon the [Eucharistic elements], after their reception of grace and the coming of the Holy Spirit, not according to their nature, but to receive them as they are, the body and blood of our Lord" (Catechetical Homilies 5:1).

 

[one_lost_coin]

Thank you Tina for your words. I hope my reply to one_lost_coin addresses your comment about non-believers partaking of the Lord's Supper.

one_lost_coin,

I admit that there is much mystery in the Eucharist. However, let it be known by your own words who it is that divides us under the guise of compromise. While I admire your stance, I respectfully disagree with your conclusion. Jesus was willing to fellowship with us where we are at. Jesus at with sinners, tax collectors and yes, even those who did not believe He was the Son of God as shown in the meals outlined in Luke.

As far as the early Church Fathers being of one mind on the matter, what you speak of is not found in the Didache or St. Clements letter to Rome, which are, I believe, some of the earliest manuscripts outside of the cannon. I'll do some homework if I get the time, but I believe, if memory serves me, and again, I'm going off memory here, so please excuse me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Jerome who first started speaking about the Eucharist as being the Body and Blood of Christ being he saw his own death through martyrdom inevitable?

Actually, this is what St. Clement of Rome (St. John's direct disciple) has to say about the Blood of Christ,

Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ and understand how precious it is unto His Father, because being shed for our salvation it won for the whole world the grace of repentance.

You memory is failing you about it beginning with Jerome you can start as early as Ignatius also a disciple of John.
Ignatius of Antioch [50-117 AD]
Epistle to the Smyraeans
I see the Catholic Crusader used part of it above. Well maybe this one.

Ignatius of Antioch [50-117 AD]
Epistle to the Romans
I have no delight in corruptible food, nor in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, the heavenly bread, the bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became afterwards of the seed of David and Abraham; and I desire the drink of God, namely His blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life.

Try reading St. Iranaeus "against heresies" you will love a few things to be found in there.

I am seperating no one from the table of the Lord it is my truest most sincere desire that all might come to know the life giving grace of the Great Mystery of the Eucharist. A bueatiful pearl one worth selling everything to have. I pray with all my heart to be joined with everyone posting here at the Feast of the Lamb.

As for Clement, Amen. The Eucharist is more than any one is saying it is in the Eucharist we recieve forgiveness, in the Eucharist we recieve our Lord, in the Eucharist we offer our entire selves to Him and through Him to each other. Its amazing.

As for the Didache, Amen. Although I hear the Didache screaming of Jesus being present I can understand a person might not. You underlined well it certainly should not be confused with eating a hamburger although God does give us hamburgers to eat too the Didache is right on it is Spiritual Food right out of Heaven and for our souls which a hamburger can't feed. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what is in the Didache and there is absolutly nothing in it saying anything that disagrees with the teachings of the Church then or now. True unity.

Jesus meeting with the sinners and tax collectors to eat a regular meal was done so that they might know Him and His Mercy so that they could partake of the Heavenly meal which does forgive sins and does stregnthen us in faith but unlike earthly food which our bodies take and make part of ourselves the food of Himself makes our bodies more like Him. If taken in a manner unworthy Paul said that was the cause of much sickness in one community he wrote to. A good pattern from the Mass in scripture apart from the Last Supper would be any account of the feeding of the multitudes by Jesus through the Apostles.

 

[one_lost_coin]

As for why it shouldn't be offered to anyone and why it is more than a celebration, although it is a celebration, St. Augustine can help us.

Augustine of Hippo, St [354-430 AD]
Letters
Letter 54 (A.D. 400)
4. Some one may say, "The Eucharist ought not to be taken every day." You ask, "On what grounds?" He answers, sacrament, he ought to choose those days upon which he lives in more special purity and self-restraint; for whosoever eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself.'" Another answers, "Certainly; if the wound inflicted by sin and the violence of the soul's distemper be such that the use of these remedies must be put off for a time, every man in this case should be, by the authority of the bishop, forbidden to approach the altar, and appointed to do penance, and should be afterwards restored to privileges by the same authority; for this would be partaking unworthily, if one should partake of it at a time when he ought to be doing penance; and it is not a matter to be left to one's own judgment to withdraw himself from the communion of the Church, or restore himself, as he pleases. If, however, his sins are not so great as to bring him justly under sentence of excommunication, he ought not to withdraw himself from the daily use of the Lord's body for the healing of his soul." Perhaps a third party interposes with a more just decision of the question, reminding them that the principal thing is to remain united in the peace of Christ, and that each should be free to do what, according to his belief, he conscientiously regards as his duty. For neither of them lightly esteems the Body and Blood of the Lord; on the contrary, both are contending who shall most highly honour the sacrament fraught with blessing. There was no controversy between those two mentioned in the Gospel, Zacchaeus and the Centurion; nor did either of them think himself better than the other, though, whereas the former received the Lord joyfully into his house, the latter said, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof," -- both honouring the Saviour, though in ways diverse and, as it were, mutually opposed; both miserable through sin, and both obtaining the mercy they required. We may further borrow an illustration here, from the fact that the manna given to the ancient people of God tasted in each man's mouth as he desired that it might. It is the same with this world-sabduing sacrament in the heart of each Christian. For he that dares not take it every day, and' he who dares not omit it any day, are both alike moved by a desire to do it honour. That sacred food will not submit to be despised, as the manna could not be loathed with impunity. Hence the apostle says that it was unworthily partaken of by those who did not distinguish between this and all other meats, by yielding to it the special veneration which was due; for to the words quoted already, "eateth and drinketh judgment to himself," he has added these, "not discerning the Lord's body;" and this is apparent from the whole of that passage in the first Epistle to the Corinthians, if it be carefully studied.

I like anyone else can not partake if I am in a state of mortal sin. There are very good reasons we should not approach.

 

[one_lost_coin]

I hope this has been helpful it was meant to be but to have Catholics discuss anything about Holy Communion is to invite a whole lot. I hope it isn't overwhelming because we have so much more we haven't even taped into it from Pope John Paul II "theology of the body" or any of the profound mystical reflections of it or reflected on the Liturgy in Revelations. As you see it is the Mass or the Divine Liturgy for Eastern Catholics and Orthodox that we center our lives around because it is our Lord.

With that being said yes we feel we bring alot of depth to a discussion on the Eucharist and have much we share even amongst ourselves and in volumes of writing we may not know when to shut up. Yet I in my life haven't even begun to understand what all is to be found In this Holy Mystery.

Peace be with you.

 

[Pogo]

one_lost_coin -

You quoted one of your saints, as so...

"...If, however, his sins are not so great as to bring him justly under sentence of excommunication, he ought not to withdraw himself from the daily use of the Lord's body for the healing of his soul."

Sadly, he has erroneously substituted the word 'worthy' for the word 'worthily' that is found in 1 Corinthians 11:27.

Worthily - deals with the manner in which something is accomplished.

Worthy - speaks to one's qualifications to participate.

Outside of Christ, Himself, what other person that has ever walked on this earth, could possibly be counted as WORTHY to share a table with our Lord?

Christ is merely telling us to follow His example when we come together to fellowship at His table.

For not one of us has ever been, nor will ever be WORTHY of such a privilege.

May God bless us all,

Pogo

 

[Catholic Crusader]

I hope this has been helpful it was meant to be but to have Catholics discuss anything about Holy Communion is to invite a whole lot. I hope it isn't overwhelming because we have so much more we haven't even taped into it from Pope John Paul II "theology of the body" or any of the profound mystical reflections of it or reflected on the Liturgy in Revelations. As you see it is the Mass or the Divine Liturgy for Eastern Catholics and Orthodox that we center our lives around because it is our Lord.

With that being said yes we feel we bring alot of depth to a discussion on the Eucharist and have much we share even amongst ourselves and in volumes of writing we may not know when to shut up. Yet I in my life haven't even begun to understand what all is to be found In this Holy Mystery.

Peace be with you.

Here is a lively thread you might want to peruse:
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=30065
Too bad its locked. It would be nice if the Mods would re-open it.

 

[one_lost_coin]

one_lost_coin -

You quoted one of your saints, as so...

"...If, however, his sins are not so great as to bring him justly under sentence of excommunication, he ought not to withdraw himself from the daily use of the Lord's body for the healing of his soul."

Sadly, he has erroneously substituted the word 'worthy' for the word 'worthily' that is found in 1 Corinthians 11:27.

Worthily - deals with the manner in which something is accomplished.

Worthy - speaks to one's qualifications to participate.

Outside of Christ, Himself, what other person that has ever walked on this earth, could possibly be counted as WORTHY to share a table with our Lord?

Christ is merely telling us to follow His example when we come together to fellowship at His table.

For not one of us has ever been, nor will ever be WORTHY of such a privilege.

May God bless us all,

Pogo

The quote of St. Augustine seems quit fine. My using worthy instead of worthily is my mistake but by God's grace and through Jesus sacrifice we have been made worthy through the regeneration of baptism which joins us to Him and as long as we remain in a state of grace we are welcome to the table of the Lord. We are not worthy oh Lord but just say the word and we shall be healed.

 

[lovely]

Thank you Tina for your words. I hope my reply to one_lost_coin addresses your comment about non-believers partaking of the Lord's Supper.

Jeff, it does. It gives me something to think on more. The Lord bless you.