Posted by Diana on June 18, 19101 at 04:37:26:
Where is the Body of Christ?
I've recently heard talk of Catholics denying other Catholics the Eucharist. I'm wondering how this could ever be appropriate. It seems as though one set of people have set themselves up as judge and jury over another set in areas pertaining to religious matters.
This first set of 'exclusivists' seem to claim that only their interpretations are correct and, therefore, that gives them free license to dictate, dominate, and control others in the matter of religion. They seem to have turned Jesus into a moral professor, of sorts, who
delights in exclusion and judgmentalism and matters of the head. What happened to the Sacred Heart? The overwhelming Love of God? and a focus on Compassion?
This way of thinking seems to have also spread to various organizations where, if a certain speaker is present, others immediately withdraw support or condemn the entire proceedings.
Yet, as I understand it, the Body of Christ is present not only in the Eucharist but also in each and every one of us. For example, Mother Theresa saw the Body of Christ present in the street people.
So, how can one part of the Body of Christ decide that
it's okay to shun another part of the Body of Christ, simply because they disagree with them in matters of the head?
Can denying the Eucharist to people keep them from the Christ within? What good purpose can it ever serve?
I find this situation offensive and counterproductive.
I think it alienates far more than it benefits anyone
associated with it in any way. I think it tries to narrow the focus of the Body of Christ to the Eucharist without respecting and considering the Body of Christ that already exists in the people.
Diana