Forget the doctrine of your church, what does communion mean to you personally? Is it really Jesus' body and blood? Is it just a symbolic memorial? Does it matter, as long as you do it? What are your personal experiences and opinions regarding communion.
2007-02-12 20:09:06 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I personally agree Abby, but I know many 'Christians' who do not feel Catholic's qualify for the title, so I just should I would make it extremely clear. Thanks though, for pointing that out!
2007-02-12 20:18:37 · update #1
This is very interesting.. 'coz I thought about this while I went with my cousin (who belongs to a different denomination and hence a different set of beliefs) to receive communion on Sunday.
I believe in a lot of preparation for communion - I pray for a longer time the previous night - going through a self confession mode - and asking for forgiveness. I make sure that I am on an empty stomach (life is made easier by the fact that the Holy communion service is held in the mornings, so all I have to skip is breakfast )
I am sure that this means more than just reliving one of the basic principles that binds all Christians - Jesus died for us, rose from the dead for us and will come again!
It is the one act that demands a little extra from me - at a personal level. I can go ahead and have no preparation - but whom am I cheating? Just myself - and thats exactly what I am planning to undo by having communion - the fact that I cheated - myself and God!!
Of course, the body n bood are merely symbolical - but that doesnt mean it isnt holy. There definitely is a difference between the bread n wine we'd have at home and during the communion (and its not just the taste that I am referring to)
What matters is how you prepare yourself for it - did you truly repent - and what you do about ensuring that you do not go ahead and tell the same lies - think about the same dirty thoughts - continue cheating your loved ones and contnue killing your conscience!
I love it when the call to communion is one that exhorts you to repent top such an extent that you are sure that post the communion HE really forgave you - your sincerity was so strong that it makes your heart lighter and your convictions stronger. I end up making stronger resolutions and stick by it - I've had these happen a few times and I've loved it.
One such call to communion was SO strong, the bishop ( his sermon) was SO convincing that, despite the lack of preparation the previous night I felt that the Lord wanted me to confess and forgive. That I didn't need to wait for a tipping point (I usually receive communion only once a fortnight) to reach to ask for forgiveness.
Of course, not all faiths / denominations believe in it in this manner but its a personal opinion
2007-02-12 20:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by cerebral_orgasm 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
definitely not cannibalism. remember the blessing of the bread and wine? remember the saying 'Do this in memory of me'? this process is a way of being joined with Him. an acceptance of the sacrifice. If you have a deep love for someone, you want to be as close as possible to that person. On a similar note, a religious marriage combines the soul of the couple. I understand the Communion as a way to combine our individual souls with Him. Definition of COMMUNION 1 : an act or instance of sharing 2 a capitalized : a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ b : the act of receiving Communion c capitalized : the part of a Communion service in which the sacrament is received Perhaps a priest can provide a better analogy/answer to your question.
2016-05-24 04:36:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Communion is symbolic of Christ's sacrifice for us. I don't believe it literally turns into the blood and body of Jesus - Jesus Himself said the literal blood and flesh did not avail anything but were spirit and life. I have found communion to be a very holy, healing, enlightening experience. It brings me closer to my Lord in a very special and unique way. I feel that it unites me with those who have already made their triumphal entry into heaven and with those around the globe who are blood-bought. We become one in communion together and with our Lord. To me it bridges the past and the future and in that one moment of time, I realize the meaning of eternity. By looking back at the Cross and forward to His coming - the moment "freezes" into an eternal moment at the communion table. I believe it provides a special healing to mind, body and soul like nothing else can do. It is special, precious, and must be taken only by those who are in right relationship by the blood of the Lamb. We always have a moment of prayer to make sure everything is under the blood before we partake. I sometimes take communion privately at home - just me and the Lord - and it never fails to be a close, sweet Presence of Christ and a time of intimacy. May God Bless you as you fellowship with Him at His Table of Communion.
2007-02-12 20:29:37 · answer #3 · answered by wd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Communion is the sharing in Jesus' flesh, eating his flesh and drinking his blood. It's an exceptional experience where I can share such a personal experience with my Lord.
2007-02-12 20:11:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
our church only does it a couple of times a year and for me it is a sign of obedience (much like a baptism). Usually, the sermon for the week that we do communion is related or about obedience.
2007-02-12 20:20:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anthony A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just a symbolic representation of our fellowship with the Lord. Eating and Drinking togather with the Other members of the Church is just a fellowship.
2007-02-12 20:14:38 · answer #6 · answered by pkeleti72 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is his body and blood. Read Jn 6:53-58. Not only this, but it must be eaten worthily, following sacramental confession.
2007-02-12 20:21:28 · answer #7 · answered by laity1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Body of Christ that was broken for me. And for the transgression of all sins.
2007-02-12 20:13:48 · answer #8 · answered by catsclaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eCommunion to me is symbolic cannibalism.But I do it to assure myself that I share a common idea.Bazaar though it seems,But maby he is right and I make that sacrifice in his honer as his wish implies.
2007-02-12 20:31:12 · answer #9 · answered by stratoframe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By writing Christian it is already implied that you were referring to Catholics, they too are Christians.
2007-02-12 20:13:52 · answer #10 · answered by A-chan 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋