Ask a Catholic

[Fiosh]

Hi again Fiosh:

I understand Jesus said "this is my body" or 'this is my blood" but Jesus also called himself a lamb, a sword and called Peter a rock. That doesn't mean Jesus ever turned into a lamb or a sword, or that Peter turned into a rock. Jesus spoke metaphorically many times. You would agree with this, right?

If Jesus was sitting at the last supper and he was giving actual bread to his disciples and it turned into his actual flesh, then wouldn't his flesh disappear? Is there something in scripture to suggest this?

At what point do you believe the wine that you drink actually turns into blood? I would imagine that it tastes like wine or grape juice, doesn't it?

As a protestant, I take part in communion and take part in wine and bread in remembrance of Jesus body and his blood.

I would definitely assume there are no scientific studies to say that that wine turns into blood while in the body of the believer.

I hope you don't mind the questions. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around this concept, as I do the Trinity at times, but I do believe Jesus was speaking metaphorically.

Hi again to you!

I don't want to veer into too much explanation as Real Presence could be--and has been-- a thread on its own. I'd like to keep this thread more general, i.e. WHAT RC's believe, not so much why.

But in brief, yes, Jesus often spoke in parables and metaphorically. But in this case, it is repeated in all 3 synoptic Gospels. It is emphasized by Paul several times in his letters. And in John, Jesus drives the point home and allow many disciples to walk away when they understand Him to be speaking literally, rather than to "correct" them. So a strong case can be made for a literal interpretation.

I think I already answered your 2nd question---at the words of consecration "This is My blood"; and yes, it tastes like wine.

Nope, science will not show you Real Presence. Similarly, you can't slice off the tip of Jesus' finger, put it under a microscope and see His Divinity.

I respect the fact that you understand Jesus to be speaking metaphorically. It's a mind-blowing concept. I simply believe that all things are possible with God.

Peace,

Fiosh

[Guest man]

Pax....perhaps you can explain.

Deut. 4:15

Can you interpret this for me?

[artsylady]

Just because the gospel writers repeated the words of Jesus when he said "This is my body" doesn't mean that he wasn't speaking metaphorically.

Gospel writers also repeated parables, but because they were repeated, doesn't make them true stories.

[artsylady]

Pax: I couldn't seem to connect to that link regarding the scientific study. Are you sure you typed it out correctly?

[Pax]

Pax....perhaps you can explain.

Deut. 4:15

Can you interpret this for me?

Refer to post #12. I agree with Fiosh.

[Fiosh]

If Mary was a virgin, then where did James the brother of Jesus come from?

What in scripture tells you she remained a virgin?

I'm sorry if it seems I'm bombarding you. I don't get a lot of time for message boards these days but I do have some time tonight.

James was not the son of Mary. He may have been a cousin or other relative of Jesus. In the New Testament the word for brother and the word for brethren are the same--adelphos. Check your concordance. Adelphos is used many times by Paul, for example, to refer to his brothers in Christ.

Are you referring to James, the son of Alphaeus Mark 3:18, James the son of Zebedee Mark 10:35, James the brother of Jude Jude1:1, James the son of Mary & Clophas and brother of Joseph Matt 27:56/John 19:25??

Can you be more specific?

Thanks,

F

[artsylady]

In regards to Mary remaining a virgin, I would point to the verse Matthew 1:24: When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her UNTIL SHE GAVE BIRTH to a son."

Now, this leaves one to believe they went on to have normal husband/wife relations, and unless there's something out there in scripture to state otherwise, I would have to assume Mary did not remain a virgin.

On the point of Mary being holy, when Jesus was born and the wise men came to worship him, they worshipped only Jesus not Mary. Is there any scripture anywhere where the early church members or anyone worshipped Mary?

[cjrose]

Thanks for your reply.

Now can you answer me why a Catholic family must provide godparents for their children? I remember years ago I learned there was something other than providing spiritual mentorship associated with this. Can you enlighten me about the practice?

Can I jump in here real quick. I was raised Catholic, married into devout Catholic family, my children go to private Catholic School.

Firstly, as we have gone through all the sacrements and at baptism, God Parents are there to see that this child is brought up in the knowledge of the Lord. Not just that but we have kept all our God Parents in the family and are responsible for them should the parents perish.

Way back when I was growing up Catholic, we had no access to Jesus, God was in a box and we could get to Him ONLY through the Priests. We had no Bibles, nor bible study. You couldn't have communion unless you went to confession.

Now while we are to confess our sins with our mouth to another, I have a Christain woman who is my friend, my counselor, my second mom who I can confess everything to. And then we pray and praise.

I mean no disrespect to the Catholic's but they kept me from knowing Jesus for a long time by keeping Him at a distance, so sovereign that us lowly humans are not fit have a personal relationship with Him.

However, all is meant to be in God's plan as I did find Him waiting for me. Everything I learned in Catholism suddenly all made sense. I have made sure to inquire at the school if the children use actual bibles, what kind and I don't know about other Catholic churches but there are a couple here including where my children go to school that teach a personal relationship with Jesus along with all the traditions and rituals in the Catholic religion. I went all the way but the rituals meant nothing without having the Holy Spirit within me. I re-dedicated my life and was baptised because of my decision.

Traditions and rituals just get into the way of the meat. My childrens school is so much more Christian than Catholic and all are an example of Gods love in the way they teach and interact with the kids. I'm very thankful.

sorry for butting in there

[Guest man]

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[Pax]

Pax: I couldn't seem to connect to that link regarding the scientific study. Are you sure you typed it out correctly?

I typed it in wrong. The address is (edit)

Edited September 30, 2006 by IslandRose