The Pew Poll of Catholics on the Eucharist was discussed by Jesuit Fr. Matt Malone's Of Many Things column in America Magazine, “If we want Catholics to understand church teaching on the Eucharist, we need a fresh approach.” The question is more substantial than we think.
Are the sacraments faith or magic? They are not the same. Transubstantiation sounds more like transmografication alchemy than an experience of Jesus. What about adoration? While adoration & iconography can be a focus for prayer, grace is conveyed by reception. It is an encounter with God. When my Baptist former boss went to Mass with me and received, he felt the Presence that was not there for him in his own Church. Jesus said his flesh is real food. He never said this food is real flesh.
Does absolution work on an unconscious person? Is infant baptism really effective or a sign of sacredness? We know adult baptism & confirmation are real, but they are experienced.
Are we a Church or a coven? Is papal infallibility relative to the Church or absolute? If the former, then there is no real bar to the ordination of women but sexism.
Morality is part of this question. Does God reward us for our beliefs or our relationships? Is morality for God or for us? Was the Crucifixion vision quest or a requirement for bloodshed? Is God an Ogre? This question says everything about ourselves as well as our beliefs. The one question leads to them all.
No comments:
Post a Comment