Thanks to the incredibly handy myCatholic.com news services, I've been seeing all of the stories about the synod every time I go online. Here's a sampling ...
Bishops call for increased respect for sacredness of Eucharist: reception in the mouth, focus on preparing with confession - I've always recieved in my hand. It's just how I started and it has stuck with me ever since. I might start trying it the traditional way; I think they're may be some truth in saying that it helps you be reverent toward the Blessed Sacrament.
Question Raised on Communion and Abortion - Even after the election, it's an important topic.
Rich, Varied Discussion in First Synod Sessions - They're discussuing tons of stuff. Good luck with that.
Abandon Eucharistic Doctrine, Dissidents Urge Synod - ridiculous ... why be Catholic? UPDATE: CAEI covers the topic.
2 comments:
Although I am not a Catholic, while listening to a recap of the synod on NPR last evening, I was distressed to hear a bishop announce his assertion that communion was not a right. Did I understand him correctly?
Without going in to transubstatiation, isn't the ceremony of communion central to most christian belief? And to proffer that not only was it not a right, but not necessary to address the dwindling ranks of the priesthood? I admire you tremendously for your devotioin and service to G-d. It takes a special man to undertake this, especially in our current times. We need more devoted priests, more devoted rabbis, more devoted spiritual leaders. To assume that we do not is just madness.
Without hearing the actual comments the bishop made I would say that I agree with the idea. Catholics believe that the Eucharist (Holy Communion) IS the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. If you are in a state of sin, you should not recieve communion. In 1 Corinthians 11:27 it says "There fore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord."
Most Protestant churches see communion as a symbol of unity only. While Catholics share part of that belief, we also believe that God is truly present in the bread and wine. So ... long response ... it is not a right but a priviledge and if people lived lives that would allow them to recieve Jesus in the Eucharist as often as they could, there probably would be more priests. However, we must keep praying for vocations to the priesthood and trust that God will take care of His Church like He said He would.
Thanks for reading! You'll be in my prayers.
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