Catholics differ from other Christians mainly because of the way of remembering the Last Supper. Others refer to the bread and wine as "symbols," but we refer to it as the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
They say that the sacrifice of Christ is a one-time act and cannot be repeated, hence, the bread their spiritual leaders break and distribute are merely symbols.
But, which is really true, according to the Bible?
Jesus, during the Last Supper, said:
“Take this and eat it, for this is my body.
Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people."
(Mt. 26:26-28; mod)
Then take a look at this part of St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians
" For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said,“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord."
(1 Cor 11:23-28 NLT, emphasis mine)
See? The first Christians shared Christ's Body and Blood, not the symbol.
Yet there were some Christians who modified the Bible just for their doctrine to be correct. Nevertheless, it's still wrong.
If the bread they break is the symbol of the bread we Catholics receive during communion, well that's another case.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Does GOD really EXIST?
If you happen to read this, then congratulations! You are sincere in your search for the truth about God and His existence. Read on and I hope that I might help you in choosing to believe in Him, or continue in being faithful to Him.
As a FUTURE Order of the Augustinian Recollect seminarian, I don't doubt the existence of God.
I created this entry so that the average person who is somehow confused about his and his church's norms, may be directed in the right path, regardless of sect.
I won't explain mainly by using Bible verses, because I assume that most of you won't really search for those paragraphs in the Scriptures, given that most of you use logic.
Well for believers and unbelievers alike.
Jesus Christ (Iesvs Christi) is not a mythical creature, but a legendary being. Legendary, which means that history and religion agree that He really existed, thousands of years ago.
And knowing that He is real, He gave the proof of the existence of God.
"No one has actually seen God [the Father], but the one and only Son (Jesus), who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known, (Jn 1:18)" for Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 10:30).
Obviously, the Bible talks about God teaching His people (Old Testament) and His Revelation and Salvation through Christ Jesus (New Testament).
Now, you might ask, "How true are these writings?"
Hmm, the Bible didn't actually fall right out of the sky, nor did it rise from the ground by itself. You see, it is a compilation of the books written by people, through careful and keen study, inspired by God Himself (2 Tim 3:16).
Science is too young to understand religion. Not all what science knows are enough to explain how Jesus was conceived, how He multiplied five loaves and two fishes, how He brought many dead people back to life, how St. Peter got out from prison, et cetera.
GOD EXISTS. It's a fact. Prove me wrong.
As a FUTURE Order of the Augustinian Recollect seminarian, I don't doubt the existence of God.
I created this entry so that the average person who is somehow confused about his and his church's norms, may be directed in the right path, regardless of sect.
I won't explain mainly by using Bible verses, because I assume that most of you won't really search for those paragraphs in the Scriptures, given that most of you use logic.
Well for believers and unbelievers alike.
Jesus Christ (Iesvs Christi) is not a mythical creature, but a legendary being. Legendary, which means that history and religion agree that He really existed, thousands of years ago.
And knowing that He is real, He gave the proof of the existence of God.
"No one has actually seen God [the Father], but the one and only Son (Jesus), who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known, (Jn 1:18)" for Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 10:30).
Obviously, the Bible talks about God teaching His people (Old Testament) and His Revelation and Salvation through Christ Jesus (New Testament).
Now, you might ask, "How true are these writings?"
Hmm, the Bible didn't actually fall right out of the sky, nor did it rise from the ground by itself. You see, it is a compilation of the books written by people, through careful and keen study, inspired by God Himself (2 Tim 3:16).
Science is too young to understand religion. Not all what science knows are enough to explain how Jesus was conceived, how He multiplied five loaves and two fishes, how He brought many dead people back to life, how St. Peter got out from prison, et cetera.
GOD EXISTS. It's a fact. Prove me wrong.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Blessing (v.)
The statement "God bless you" is commonly used by people, obviously, giving blessing, by the Most Holy Name of the LORD. And the LORD commanded His people not to use His Name in vain (Ex 20:7; Dt 5:11). So the question is, does saying "God bless you" violate His commandment?
There are two answers, depending on the conditions.
No, when the blessing is given by someone who is in the state of grace, and channelling God's blessings by saying the words with a clear conscience and a happy, peaceful heart.
Yes, when the blessing is given by someone who is not in the state of grace, and merely saying the words for granted, making the people see him following Christ's command about forgiveness (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28), which is the opposite of the actual case; that he is just saying those words, regardless of the anger he has.
How can one be a channel of blessing without being in the state of grace, or merely, sincerely giving the blessing? You know, it's not a simple endnote you put on anything you publish, whether you really mean what you say or not.
And by merely saying "God bless you" without sincerity, you commit sin. A grave sin.
(ERRATUM: Before October 30, 2012, Philippine Standard Time, the answers "yes" and "no" were incorrectly placed. I'm very sorry about that.)
There are two answers, depending on the conditions.
No, when the blessing is given by someone who is in the state of grace, and channelling God's blessings by saying the words with a clear conscience and a happy, peaceful heart.
Yes, when the blessing is given by someone who is not in the state of grace, and merely saying the words for granted, making the people see him following Christ's command about forgiveness (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28), which is the opposite of the actual case; that he is just saying those words, regardless of the anger he has.
How can one be a channel of blessing without being in the state of grace, or merely, sincerely giving the blessing? You know, it's not a simple endnote you put on anything you publish, whether you really mean what you say or not.
And by merely saying "God bless you" without sincerity, you commit sin. A grave sin.
(ERRATUM: Before October 30, 2012, Philippine Standard Time, the answers "yes" and "no" were incorrectly placed. I'm very sorry about that.)
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