Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Bruce Morgan
Jesus was still alive on earth in his human 'pre-resurrection' body when he instituted and first carried out what we call "Holy Communion". He said this simple ceremony was a memorial, a way to remember him, like a toast "to fallen comrades" or such.
Even if Jesus now has an infinite Resurrection Body that is not lessened by every Eucarist that takes away part of it, how could the bread and wine 'become Jesus' at the Last Supper without causing his finite human body injury?
Brandon Hughes
Bruce, the bible speaks of the Lord's Supper as being "for you, for the forgiveness of sins", not a toast where a bit of liquor is poured on the ground to remember our homeboy. I'm sorry you view this precious gift in such a way.
Do you believe Jesus performed miracles or is it just this miracle you have a problem with?
For clarification, I do not believe the Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation but I do believe in the real presence of Jesus' body and blood.
Francia Engle
My question has always been, if the scripture that states anyone who does not eat the flesh and drink the blood cannot have everlasting life, then why is it that often the priest is the only one who partakes of both emblems? Would this not mean that the parishioner will not have eternal life because he/she only partook of the flesh?