Further considerations:
- Learn how the pope essentially rewrote Hebrews 9:12 in order to defend the Catholic doctrine of communion. Click here.
- Scripture forbids drinking blood (Gen 9:4; Lev 3:17; Acts 15:20). This is another reason to understand Jesus’ language as symbolic.
- For centuries the “laity” were denied the cup. This began at the Council of Constance in 1415. Priests who gave both bread and wine to the laity were to be excommunicated. The cup has been restored since Vatican II (1962-1965). Technically speaking, the priest isn't obligated to share the wine with the congregation—only he is required to drink it—since the body of Christ is present in both wine and bread
- Failing to attend mass is a mortal sin? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states clearly, “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants). Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin” (no. 2181).
- While the Lord may indeed be specially "present" with us in the Lord's Supper—and Christians of good faith often differ on this matter—that does not mean we have to accept the system of priests, (unbiblical) transubstantiation, and repeated sacrifices of Christ.
- For the possibility that the eucharist was originally an actual fellowship meal, please take a look at this article.
