Re: An interesting lesson for you....
Submitted by Brian on October 19 1999 at 21:40:34
In reply to An interesting lesson for you.... Submitted by Terror Bear on October 19 1999 at 10:22:00
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Thanks Terror Bear, I have felt that way for a lot of years now. I just never thought of expressing it because I always thought it was a personal piety of my own, but you have showed me that it is also in others. I guess you have kind of given me a kick in the pants to put it out there so that others can guage where they are at in this matter of faith. I never stopped receiving communion - even when I was in sin - because I didn't want to fully separate myself from Jesus. I know a lot of people who will not take communion if they have committed the slightest sin; maybe that is their personal piety, but I don't understand "ME" seperating myself from Jesus when "HE" makes the action of becoming present to us. If he loves us enough to give us the chance to have a very personal interaction with him through communion, then why should we take it upon ourselves to turn our backs on him and say "No, I will not allow you to come into my being." I know that in the Catholic faith there is a little prayer said just before communion that goes: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." Do you honestly think that Jesus would stay silent if I beg his forgiveness for my sins? I don't think so, and it is obvious that you don't either. His whole life, death, resurrection was for us - so we could know how to love each other and God, and so we could ask for that forgiveness. For someone to think that Jesus cannot forgive them, if they ask sincerly for it, begs for an enlightened view of who Jesus is and what he did for us(I know that I have been getting one in the last month simply by being here). No, not a single one of us is "worthy." Jesus knows this. God knows this. That is the reason, the purpose, for the Incarnation. That's why Jesus came - to help us to realize that we can be made worthy; but only through him. If I say "no" to Jesus at communion time, am I really saying "yes" to him in my life? This is for each of us to answer on his or her own, but I have spent a lot of time praying over this and my answer was to avail myself to Jesus as often as possible so that he can strengthen me to live a better Christian life. It is only through his presence within me that I can be strong. It is only through Jesus Christ our Lord that grace can surpass our sin (c.f. Romans 5:20-21). If I don't open myself up to receive the grace that comes through my participation in Jesus' life, death and resurrection, then I am not really living my life for Jesus. Maybe this is why I have choosen to remain within my faith. It serves as a "yes" for me to let Jesus come into me in a real way. Communion is only one aspect of my faith. There are many others; prayer, reading the Bible and Christian service are three that come to mind immediately, but I am always looking for ways to participate fully in Jesus Christ and his Church. So, thanks for helping me voice my opinions and belief. a brother in Christ, Brian |