[Dianna]

Is there anywhere else in the Bible that the Lord acted in a symbolic manner that we are to take literally? I am reasonably familiar with the Bible, but certainly am no scholar.

I assume, had He really meant the Apostles to eat His flesh, that He certainly was capable of stripping off pieces of Himself and handing them out (and healing Himself afterward).

He did not.

[narses]

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ “

[mlizzy]

Ew, Diana; that's quite an image you created. The Eucharist is BOTH symbolic and Real. The Eucharist is not His flesh, like the flesh on your arm. But the Eucharist is still His Body. And since Jesus, in all His Love for us, understands we are a weak people (and we need proof! proof!), has helped us out in that regard by providing Eucharistic miracles.

Lukewarm priests have been quite "surprised," when the Host they have consecrated, turns to flesh and blood; it's been found this flesh (after thorough testing) is the flesh of a human heart. Catholicism is a fascinating, fulfilling, and flawless faith (it's the Church that has ongoing problems). But there are many on Free Republic who can explain Catholicism much better than I can, for I'm not a scholar either.

I can, however, explain suffering fairly well. And the need for the Catholic world to start participating in Eucharistic adoration with more fervor, if it's available to them, even over posting on Free Republic. :)

[daniel1212]

I assume, had He really meant the Apostles to eat His flesh, that He certainly was capable of stripping off pieces of Himself and handing them out (and healing Himself afterward). He did not.

And these kosher Jewish apostles were unquestioningly consuming Jesus, then He was both in their stomach and sitting before them. But which unique type of miracle is simply not what Scripture teaches, or even sanctions, but is pagan.

[Salvation]

What don’t you believe about the Last Supper.

Are you a democrat or a Protestant that doesn’t know the meaning of the word “IS”?

“This IS my Body, This IS my Blood.”

You’re sounding like Bill Clinton.