Posted on 07/23/2016 9:19:23 AM PDT by Salvation
Eucharist in the creed?
Msgr. Charles Pope
Question: The true presence of Christ in the Eucharist is central to our Catholic faith, and many converts say it was essential to their conversion. If this is so, why is the true presence not mentioned at all in the Nicene or Apostles Creeds? Should it not be added at the end where we state things like our belief in the Communion of Saints, the resurrection of the body and so forth? — Jerry Roventini, via email
Answer: There are many things that are not mentioned in the Nicene Creed. There is no mention of the Ten Commandments or grace; neither are we told what books belong to the New Testament or that we should care for the poor, etc. The creed is not a catechism; it is a statement of certain key doctrines that were disputed at the time of its composition in the fourth century.
The creed was composed in response to debates about the divinity of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. While there are a few concluding statements related to ecclesiology and eschatology, the Nicene Creed remains preeminently a statement of faith in the one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The belief in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist was not widely disputed at the time. And to the degree it was, the need to definitively teach on the divinity of Christ was an important foundation in order to establish his true presence in the Eucharist.
In the Sacred Liturgy, many signs and words indicate the Real Presence. The words of the consecration, which are Jesus’ own words, say, “This is my body … my blood.” The priest later says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” There are also signs of the Real Presence in our reverence of kneeling and genuflecting. And, as Communion is distributed, there is the simple creedal declaration and response: “The body of Christ. Amen.” Therefore, in the wider liturgy of the Mass and devotions such as adoration, the Church proclaims her belief in the True Presence.
While it would not intrinsically hurt to add to the Nicene Creed, one might wonder where it would stop. Further, since the creed is shared by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, adding to the ancient creed might harm attempts at unity.
Pope Paul VI wrote a longer “Credo of the People of God” which does speak to the Eucharistic presence, but it is too long to recite at Mass.
I agree with you.
You are SO ill informed, for over 1,600 years, ALL Christians taught and believed in transubstantiation, and MOST still do. Luckily the Prottys came along to save us from ourselves....If you do not have faith enough to realize that Christ did EXACTLY what He said He was doing, so be it, but kindly refrain from challenging BILLIONS of people who do believe Him.....remember the phrase....Oh ye of little faith???
Other than the fact that it is still practiced today.....that is pretty obvious evidence that the Apostles did EXACTLY what Christ admonished them to do.
That is a childish answer, like saying that God cannot create a rock that is too heavy for Him to lift.....
That is a childish answer, like saying that God cannot create a rock that is too heavy for Him to lift.....
The number changes by the hour....who knows the total???
Ever eat a medium rare piece of beef????/or beef tartar????...blood
in the Jewish tradition
Oh please....you knew Jesus long before that but like many of little faith, you didn't RECOGNIZE Him....He was there, you weren't.
I’ll bet you know my shoe size, too !
FINALLY YOU GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good question, good answer.
Attend one for a change, and pay attention....they have been said for 2,016 years, now in every country on Earth, every hour of every day, and BILLIONS of people believe and participate.
If you don't have the faith to do so, I guess that is your loss....sad!
Except for the gap...
At your age, you cannot see but what you have been drilled to believe. Do you believe the body Jesus occupies NOW in HEAVEN has blood distributing The Life of Him? I doubt you can even answer that honestly, you are so unlearned.
In your openly haughty arrogance, I doubt seriously if it saddens you that I’m not lost in your religion. Catholiciism is not Christianity.
.
The first “mass” in a christian church was said in the 4th century.
Careful Bro, there be hornets in that nest.
.
Not much in the attic though!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.