Gus reads a recent Pew Survey that shows 50% of Catholics recognize the Church's teaching on the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Gus goes over what the Church teaching is and how it's scripturally-based and talks with listeners about only half of Catholics understanding the Church's teaching on the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and asks what can be done to educate people.
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I was pulling into the local Y to exercise before work and ended up with tears streaming down my cheeks, parked in a secluded spot so I could listen to this episode, as I struggle with accepting transubstantiation. Cradle Catholic, even a Eucharistic Minister in high school and college, bible study leader for teens and mom friends, kids in/graduated from Catholic school, the list goes on – I know it’s what we TEACH, and I totally get why. I had a chance for spiritual direction with a deacon at my Cursillo weekend 2 years ago, and I confided about my problem coming to grips with transubstantiaion. I was a sobbing mess, telling him “I just feel like I must not truly believe it, because I would never want to leave mass…I would throw myself down on the ground in homage, overwhelmed with humility and gratitude by the presence I am in…and I would expect others to feel the same way!! I sometimes feel like a child who found out everyone else was invited to the party but me…why wasn’t I invited (or in this case – why don’t I get it)?? I often frequent daily mass, Adoration, read books about it, go to church for quiet time in the sanctuary, and this is among my many prayers…” He looked kind of befuddled and after a bit told me “I think you grasp it more than you think you do.” :‘) I humbly ask that we not throw people under the bus who struggle with this beautiful part of our faith – having doubts and asking questions about it are still part of the dialogue of prayer. And while I know it’s not right to receive Communion if you don’t fully understand the miracle, I pray every time that Jesus will meet me where I am and “…help me in my unbelief.” – Mark 9:24. I was too riddled with tears to call in that day – thank you for the ear here : )