The Eucharist on Your Computer Screen
There is a big discussion about whether taking communion with others on a computer screen is really communion.
The Eucharist or communion ceremony, in which symbols for blood are used, surely must go back before recorded history. The Bible is full of blood references. Today we would call a ceremony involving the exchange of blood a "blood oath," an oath of loyalty. New members of the Cosa Notsra share blood in a blood oath. There are written stories of blood oaths in other realms over a thousand years ago.
Christian first modified its blood oath by substituting wine for blood. Then in the holy cause of temperance, some Protestants substituted grape juice for wine. The question today is whether another substitution can happen, clergy on a screen instead of in person.
Catholics and others very big on communal rituals while another branch that sees the faith, the Baptists, see faith as an individual thing. In the communal branch the bread and wine are not the genuine "body of Christ" unless touched by a priest.
The link says only by being in a room with others and a priest is one eating the actual body of Christ. Doing it at home is merely a mental exercise. To me this seems a desire of clergy to have control over their flock.
If clergy cannot force people to come into "their house" for instruction what power do they have over anyone? As the link points out anyone with a smart phone can broadcast a church service. Or, church headquarters can conduct one ritual for the entire world. Who needs parish priests then? Besides endangering clergy feelings of self worth there is the question of revenue to the local parish.
To the outsider it is surprising so there is staff time being used up discussing whether a wafer and wine on the screen is the same or different than in person. Wouldn't it be more important to feed the poor?
This "great question" of whether the Eucharist can be pulled off on a computer screen will be resolved, not by theology, but by a practical business decision. There are confessions now done on line and the Eucharist will follow.
I don't see what the big deal is. Why not wait until this virus is over, then take communion in the manner folks are used to.
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of a few denominations which consider communion a Sacrament, (A means of Grace / forgiveness). The remainder consider communion an ordinance (A work to be done).
Only when Welch, (An influential official in the Methodist Church) discovered pasteurization of grape juice would prevent fermentation, was used to replace wine in communion. Welch has sold a lot of grape juice.
Re. blood oaths, is a two way agreement, and is irrelevant. Communion is a one way situation of "God for us".
re. "touched by a priest"; Not a requirement. The words of institution ("This is") (consecration, both the bread and wine ) is what facilitates the sacrament. In the Catholic Church, the "transubstantiation" (actually changed) is indicated by the ringing of the bell.
The amount of bread and wine is insignificant to be considered a factor in feeding the poor, and is a straw man.
Confession and absolution is a separate sacrament, not necessarily followed by the sacrament of the alter.
You may in your stilted manner and opinion, but I do not see this as "a desire of clergy to have control over their flock. In my lifetime I have known many clergy, over the years and never never have I seen them to consider communion "as a control over the flock". I have distinctly observed a sincere care and concern for their members.
Thank you
Helper-- re, why don't they wait?
DeleteI don't understand that either. In the Sunday paper editorial section here was a big headlined article written by a woman who has it says has a PhD in some heath field. She is upset because of the ban on Eucharist. "Yet the wholeness of our spiritual life remains absent for many Catholics because of a decision to continue the suspension of the Eucharist with limited communication to lay people about why or when the Eucharist will be permitted." She is complaining about the Catholic clergy mostly.
Every priest with a church / parish conducts mass every day of the week, including Sunday. Members present or not.
DeleteSome non-Catholics don't realize that EVERY Mass includes the Eucharist. For those non-Catholics that think "joint/ open services" in the name of ecuminism (which has been done) does not include the Eucharist, is not Mass. They have been fooled. The Catholic Church only allows Catholics to participate in the Eucharistic service, (Mass). A non Catholic can be present, but not participate in communion. Anything beyond that is only a public function.
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