Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe this rite is it the body, blood, soul, and divinity of the Risen Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. I don't see how it draws people away, it does the opposite by definition. One cannot say that physical acts are only "symbolic", they are our acts, and they are how human beings express their spirituality and thought. This is true of every action. Within the rite of communion there is a direct connection to passover, the last supper, Jesus himself, and the Kingdom of God. Do I think exceptions for wheat can be made? Sure, and I know I'm not the only Catholic (Zen Catholic? ) who thinks so. Personally I disagree with a lot of the Church's teachings, but I understand why they exist. Catholics believe that Jesus left us a church to teach with authority in His name, to settle questions like this. They believe if Jesus had not left us a teaching church, then even though the Bible is the inspired word of God, He would not have left us a revelation, but a riddle, and a riddle we could never be sure we had solved correctly. Let's not forget that the child was offered low-alcohol wine as a substitute and the mother refused.
While i think the church is being incredibly inflexible, you're right in that this is overlooked. The church did offer an option that would accomodate her.
No joke. I don't do that anymore. I swear I got the flu from it on Xmas 1999 and was still sick for 2000 New Year party. I can't prove it though.
When Jesus turned to the thief dying on the cross beside him he didn't ask if he was baptized or followed the correct laws or rituals. He saw in his heart and guaranteed him that this very day you will be with me in paradise. A repentent seeking heart was all he had left to give and that was enough..... The rest is just ritual --- if you find peace or closeness to God in those rituals great -- but they are not required for salvation.
While I agree with you to an extent, you have to realize that for Catholics (which I think you are if I'm not mistaken) the Eucharist is Christ. It's not like we are renacting some symbolic gesture that Christ made at the Last Supper. Instead we are eating directly of that one sacrifice, that happened only once, and continues to happen. Changing it simply cannot happen because it violates the principle of non-contradiction. The Eucharist is Christ's Sacrifice, both inside of time and outside of it. To change that really can't be done. So when Christ turns to the theif, he gives himself, he gives the Eucharist as his total body and blood, all of his accidents (both natures, Man and God). That's kind of the point in saying the Eucharist must be this, because it is the quintasential essence of Christ, a reality and not just something symbolic. Christ isn't just some cool dude with great teachings, no he is much much more. He is the living bread of life, on which we rely on for nourishment. Not saying you have to agree, just hopefully providing some insight for everyone so Catholics don't end up looking like Pharisees.
The wine is also a valid form communion. She could of taken that, but her mother refused that communion.
