Dear Catholic Exchange:
I really enjoy the website and the ability to get and give feed back.
I am visiting the website today because I have been struggling with the Real Presence as it relates to John chapter six. The commentary in the reading guide in my New American Bible, The Catholic Study Bible and in the Collegeville Bible Commentary both seem to suggest that Jesus is not asking us to be cannibals, after all, it is my observation that no one ate Jesus after he said these words.
Is the argument really over symbolism verses sacrament?
Isn't Jesus using the O.T. symbols of life, i.e. blood life force and manna life sustaining food in the desert, to institute the new sacrament of the Eucharist? His life being the good gift that makes it possible for us to have spiritual life?
My question is really about the pride some Catholics have about actually being cannibals. Is this legitimate? On what level do they understand this belief?
Thank you,
Rich
Dear Richard:
It is true that Jesus is not preaching cannibalism. He is teaching about the sacrament of the Eucharist, which he would institute. Cannibalism is a sort of parody of the Eucharist, just as the worship of an idol is a parody of the worship of God. Just because we are not to worship idols does not mean we are not to worship God. Just because we are not to eat the dead flesh of a human being does not mean we are not to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Risen and Living Christ.
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
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Dear Catholic Exchange:
Thank you for providing Catholic Scripture Study, a truly wonderful service! I have struggled to find an intelligent, thought-provoking means to study and understand the Bible. This program, along with Scott Hahn's tape series, is outstanding.
God Bless you and your ministry.
Marge Skrobola
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Dear Catholic Exchange:
I just wanted to share w/you how blessed our study group has been through Catholic Scripture Study. The women in our study decided that we should say the rosary together. We did it w/our families for the 1st time this morning (May 1st is a holiday here in Belgium). When I organized these studies in Pennsylvania, I had to beg to get people to come. But the women in my study now have become so excited about their Catholic faith that we had 18 adults, including six fathers and at least 25 kids. We will now continue these Family Hours weekly and open it up to our parish!
The Lord has blessed us through your study in many ways. Thank-you! Thank- you! Thank-you!
In Christ,
Georgeann McGarry
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