On the other hand remember that we give babies just a sip of the Eucharist without bread.
That's an interesting point. But, couldn't there be little particles of crumbs from the bread floating around? At least, it's not illiminating the bread.
But, illiminating the wine, is a different matter. I'll ask my priest if he crumbles some bread for the babies.
joasia wrote:On the other hand remember that we give babies just a sip of the Eucharist without bread.
That's an interesting point. But, couldn't there be little particles of crumbs from the bread floating around? At least, it's not illiminating the bread.
But, illiminating the wine, is a different matter. I'll ask my priest if he crumbles some bread for the babies.
In several parishes that I have attended, the priest will serve Holy Communion immediately after Divine Liturgy to those who are alcoholic. He takes a particle of the Eucharist (reserved for the sick) and then adds it to a little water used to rinse the Chalice. Since there is a residual of Blood of Christ present in the Chalice, the communicants are receiving both the Precious Body and the Blood of Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
In several parishes that I have attended, the priest will serve Holy Communion immediately after Divine Liturgy to those who are alcoholic. He takes a particle of the Eucharist (reserved for the sick) and then adds it to a little water used to rinse the Chalice. Since there is a residual of Blood of Christ present in the Chalice, the communicants are receiving both the Precious Body and the Blood of Christ.
Good point, Maria. There's always a teeny tiny fraction of the bread and wine present. As the holy fathers taught...that little fraction still consists of the whole Body and Blood of Christ. It's not the size of the bread or the amount of the wine, it's the fact that They are both present and therefore constitutes the wholeness of the Holy Communion...but, They cannot be served one without the other.
We all seem to be missing one very significant point here..... If we believe that the Eucharist is the BODY and BLOOD of Christ, then if CANNOT harm us in any way. If we are thinking of it as wine and bread, then our faith is weak and needs to be worked upon! The Eucharist cannot harm you... alchoholic or not....If you truly believe it to be the BODY ans BLOOD of Christ!
Miriam
We all seem to be missing one very significant point here..... If we believe that the Eucharist is the BODY and BLOOD of Christ, then if CANNOT harm us in any way. If we are thinking of it as wine and bread, then our faith is weak and needs to be worked upon! The Eucharist cannot harm you... alchoholic or not....If you truly believe it to be the BODY ans BLOOD of Christ!
I've already stated that fact.
Miriam wrote:We all seem to be missing one very significant point here..... If we believe that the Eucharist is the BODY and BLOOD of Christ, then if CANNOT harm us in any way. If we are thinking of it as wine and bread, then our faith is weak and needs to be worked upon! The Eucharist cannot harm you... alchoholic or not....If you truly believe it to be the BODY ans BLOOD of Christ!
Miriam
Some people have weak faith, and the smell of alcohol in the Sacred Chalice (the accidents remain) drives them crazy with desire for alcohol.
What is your response?
Should we tell the alcoholics that they cannot partake of the Chalice of Salvation until they are 3 years sober and have learned to "control themselves".
I personally know some alcoholics who really struggled the first three years. After that time, and with therapy, some of them could partake, but it is a hard road to travel, and everyone is unique.
YSIC
Maria
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.