communion &theology

[MJ anderson]

Jessica Hopkins wrote:

> MaryJane...I must ask you, if you do not mean to offend, to not
> presume to understand my character, heart, strengths,
> weaknesses,... in regards to my "inventing" a
> "comfortable" belief system.

.......I did not presume anything regarding your character. I outlined
why your position is hurtful to Catholics who do follow what the Church
teaches.  It may not cause you discomfort that those who do not share
the beliefs of the Church receive communion, but, Jessica, it does
discomfort many practicing Catholics and the Church who teaches that
such reception is not licit in most cases.

How is it that you feel free to grant such permission?  I believe that
does amount to presumption, though I can see from your kind remarks and
openness that  you are a fine person who did not imagine that your
comments would cause hurt to others.  My clarification was intended to
explain why that position was not considerate of many Catholics. My
clarification is not addressed to your character, which certainly seems
well formed. I realized you did not intend to be insensitive, hence the
clarification. Your profession of  an "all-encompassing spirit and love"

would surely  include care for the deepest beliefs of others, please let

it be so for practicing Catholics, too.

As for your intent of offering a supportive element for others seeking
Camino encouragement--we are of like mind (see my own remarks from an
earlier post) and yet, your encouragement ought not come at the expense
of the most cherished and holy beliefs and practices of others.  That, I

think, is what others were expressing.

The Camino is for the most part, part of Catholic Christianity, and for
you to give your permission to violate the beliefs of those who have had

the Camino as part of their history and faith for more than a thousand
years is insensitive, even if well intended.  Those who travel the
Camino without seeking anything specifically Christian are invited,
indeed they ARE VERY WELCOME, and the Church has welcomed many
non-believers over the centuries. But there is an expectation that fair
and gentle respect for the Church  and her practices will be given in
return.  As for a occasional priest or nun that might be lax in their
defense of Catholic practice, and perhaps turn the other way on the
communion question, I can only suggest that those who are curious about
what the Church teaches may want to check the Catechism of the Catholic
Church.

I agree with you that this ought not be a theological discussion--the
purpose was to offer a reason for the holiness of this belief, and thus,

the respect and dignity that pilgrims will want to show to the Church
and her children as they travel the Camino.  By all means, all pilgrims
are invited with great love into the churches and at liturgies and to
sing and pray and allow God to fill them with joy and wonder...but the
reception of the Eucharist  is reserved for those who can honestly give
assent to the belief that it is the actual flesh and blood of Jesus
Christ.

The list members, I imagine, are ready to move on to other topics, but
if you want to explore any of this, please feel free to email me
personally.
Respectfully,
MJ Anderson



>
>