Previously, a friend asked me if I actually believed that the host turns into the body of Jesus at consecration leading to communion. I didn't know how to reply. Years of school catechism (or my understanding of it) has ingrained in me the concept that transubstantiation happens, matter of factly. The consecrated host I receive is His Body. No questions asked. I even recall viewing photos previously showing a bloody host on a communicant's tongue. I think it was part of the photos of some miracle, maybe related to Padre Pio. But I'm not sure. Those photos were supposed to reinforce the transubstantiation that actually happens.
As a Catholic, am I supposed to believe that it really happens?
I thought I was. Yet as I searched my heart, I knew that I swallow a host that symbolizes his body, his death offered for my sins. It was not going to turn into his flesh. Am I not being true to my Catholic faith by believing in this?
Now I think that my faith does not dictate believing in transubstantiation. I pondered on the events of the Last Supper. As Jesus was instituting the Sacrament, he did not turn that bread into his own flesh. For one thing, he was still alive and well. Even Jesus himself was raising that bread and breaking it as a symbol of his impending death and sacrifice. And as I eat the bread or the host, and consider it as His Body, I am reminded of this ultimate loving sacrifice. "Do It In Memory Of Me.", he commands.
I don't think I am less of a Catholic because this is what I believe in. I continue to remember His Death and His Victory over death and sin every time I hear mass. And that memory serves to reinforce my resolve to be a better human being - loving, caring and real.
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5 comments:
The concept of transubstantiation was used by Thomas Aquinas to explain how the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of our Lord: the bread and wine retain their qualities identifying them as such, like taste, smell, texture, color, etc., bur their substance is changed: from the substance making them bread and wine to the substance of our Lord's body and blood, hence transubstantiation. The qualities (what Thomas Aquinas calls the accidents) remain the same, but the substance is now different. Though it may taste like bread and wine, it no longer is bread and wine. We may ask why Jesus wanted it that way; we can look to the many saints who also asked why for what answer they received. Personally, I believe it's one of the most intimate ways to be with us; to be our food to share with us his very self. You might want to look at these: https://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/eucha4.htm and https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/SHEEDEUC.HTM Pax!
how do u reconcile ur catholic faith with your sexual orientation?
i am sure you have lots of beliefs that contradict catholic teachings, but what makes you stay as a catholic? why be part of a religion that says that being who you are is a sin?
Thank you
on the contrary anonymous.. according to the catholic faith, being gay is not bad, what you do that initiates sin is bad.in transubstantiation we take part on Christ's being God and man. always remember this, "lord i am not worthy to receive You, but only say a word and my soul shall be healed"
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