I’m reading a book on the Reformation now and the “reformers” immediately broke into multiple sects on the topic of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
“Between October 1 and October 3, these groups meet during the Marburg Colloquy. This is the only time Zwingli and Luther meet in person. They agree on fourteen of fifteen propositions Luther has drawn up for discussion. But on the question of the Lord's Supper, neither reformer yields. In person no less than in print, they preserve the schism over the sacrament of communion. Despite his admiration for Luther, Zwingli thinks him hopelessly stubborn, while Luther refuses even to shake Zwingli's hand at the end of the proceedings, a rebuff that reduces Zwingli to tears. Because these emerging Protestant groups cannot find accord, they are unable to present a unified front against Charles V.”
Great writing. I see your line on Jesus and a faulty institution. It gives me a bit of concern.
Not because the faith is wrong in believing The Holy Spirit guides the church. The church would not remain one, holy, catholic and apostolic if it were any other way.
In reading it as you state it, however, I wonder about the missing Mystical Body formation. That is, the part where the church is full of hypocrites and sinners yet somehow conforms to Jesus. It is confounding and radical. Only a miracle can make such a body of creatures a true image of Him.
Then which part is more difficult? Don’t many Protestant sects believe something akin to the Mystical Body, although usually including an interpretation that thinks the surrendered wills of the congregation are some element of this transpiring. The wrong orientation of the source of the Mystical Body with essentially the right understanding of the offer of will from the congregation.
So, if Protestants can believe what is essentially the harder part; that sinful people can form a true image of the holy God. Then how is it so difficult to believe Christ is the true manna and truly present in the transubstantiated bread and wine?
I’m reading a book on the Reformation now and the “reformers” immediately broke into multiple sects on the topic of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
“Between October 1 and October 3, these groups meet during the Marburg Colloquy. This is the only time Zwingli and Luther meet in person. They agree on fourteen of fifteen propositions Luther has drawn up for discussion. But on the question of the Lord's Supper, neither reformer yields. In person no less than in print, they preserve the schism over the sacrament of communion. Despite his admiration for Luther, Zwingli thinks him hopelessly stubborn, while Luther refuses even to shake Zwingli's hand at the end of the proceedings, a rebuff that reduces Zwingli to tears. Because these emerging Protestant groups cannot find accord, they are unable to present a unified front against Charles V.”
Oh wow! I didn't know that!
Thank you for sharing your reflections and experiences, Lorelei. You're right; God is so gentle with us.
Great writing. I see your line on Jesus and a faulty institution. It gives me a bit of concern.
Not because the faith is wrong in believing The Holy Spirit guides the church. The church would not remain one, holy, catholic and apostolic if it were any other way.
In reading it as you state it, however, I wonder about the missing Mystical Body formation. That is, the part where the church is full of hypocrites and sinners yet somehow conforms to Jesus. It is confounding and radical. Only a miracle can make such a body of creatures a true image of Him.
Then which part is more difficult? Don’t many Protestant sects believe something akin to the Mystical Body, although usually including an interpretation that thinks the surrendered wills of the congregation are some element of this transpiring. The wrong orientation of the source of the Mystical Body with essentially the right understanding of the offer of will from the congregation.
So, if Protestants can believe what is essentially the harder part; that sinful people can form a true image of the holy God. Then how is it so difficult to believe Christ is the true manna and truly present in the transubstantiated bread and wine?