The EWTN Global Catholic Network Answers: What is the difference between Catholic Mass and a Communion Service?
Mar 16, 2018 16:26:18 #
This is the opinion of a priest with a Doctorate in Catholic Canon Law, at this very highly respected Catholic website, describing how superior the Catholic Mass is to any other denomination's "Communion Service."
http://www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage.asp?number=479541
Question:
"Hello, What is the difference between a communion service and mass?
At both times we receive communion, hear the Word of God read, listen to a lecture, and share fellowship with other believers.
The most important thing to do is receive Christ and we do at both times.
I don't see a difference can you help?
Thanks,
Jim"
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL (Juris Canonici Licentia) Doctorate in Canon Law, on 9/7/2006:
Quote:
"I am always shocked at the number of people who do not appreciate the different between the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist at Mass and the Communion apart from Mass. You seem to be unaware of the spiritual realities that are present at the celebration of Mass.
"When at Mass, we offer our very lives up to God through the offering up of the bread and wine, which are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. When the transformation of the bread and wine take place, it is like being present at the Incarnation, when Jesus first took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At Mass, we also remember the death of the Lord Jesus, and this remembrance is no mere recalling in one's mind, but rather it is like being present at the foot of the cross as Jesus died, and like being a personal witness to the resurrection on the third day.
"All of this only takes place at a Mass, and it takes place during the Eucharistic Prayer prayed by the priest, who acts as an intermediary between us and God.
"None of that happens at a Communion service. It is arriving at a movie at the end when the credits are already rolling.
"Some people don't like this comparison, as I have used it before, but I think that it is sound. Receiving Holy Communion at Mass is like eating a piece of birthday cake at a birthday party. One is not only eating the cake but enjoying the event of the party -- exchanging gifts, lighting the candles, being with the others, sharing in the celebration. (Of course, at Mass, we exchange gifts with God, are gathered in prayer with all of his holy people, including the saints and also the angels, and share in being present at the mysteries of our faith, described above.
"Receiving Holy Communion at a Communion service is like eating a left over piece of birthday card after having been unable to attend the party. Sure, we get a piece of cake, but we missed the rest.
"Of course, there is a power and efficacy in hearing the word of God preached by a priest that does not occur when listening to a non-ordained person conducting a Communion service. (Thus, it is better if at least a deacon is conducting the Communion service because at least a valid homily could be given.)"
(C) 2018
http://www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage.asp?number=479541
Question:
"Hello, What is the difference between a communion service and mass?
At both times we receive communion, hear the Word of God read, listen to a lecture, and share fellowship with other believers.
The most important thing to do is receive Christ and we do at both times.
I don't see a difference can you help?
Thanks,
Jim"
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL (Juris Canonici Licentia) Doctorate in Canon Law, on 9/7/2006:
Quote:
"I am always shocked at the number of people who do not appreciate the different between the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist at Mass and the Communion apart from Mass. You seem to be unaware of the spiritual realities that are present at the celebration of Mass.
"When at Mass, we offer our very lives up to God through the offering up of the bread and wine, which are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. When the transformation of the bread and wine take place, it is like being present at the Incarnation, when Jesus first took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At Mass, we also remember the death of the Lord Jesus, and this remembrance is no mere recalling in one's mind, but rather it is like being present at the foot of the cross as Jesus died, and like being a personal witness to the resurrection on the third day.
"All of this only takes place at a Mass, and it takes place during the Eucharistic Prayer prayed by the priest, who acts as an intermediary between us and God.
"None of that happens at a Communion service. It is arriving at a movie at the end when the credits are already rolling.
"Some people don't like this comparison, as I have used it before, but I think that it is sound. Receiving Holy Communion at Mass is like eating a piece of birthday cake at a birthday party. One is not only eating the cake but enjoying the event of the party -- exchanging gifts, lighting the candles, being with the others, sharing in the celebration. (Of course, at Mass, we exchange gifts with God, are gathered in prayer with all of his holy people, including the saints and also the angels, and share in being present at the mysteries of our faith, described above.
"Receiving Holy Communion at a Communion service is like eating a left over piece of birthday card after having been unable to attend the party. Sure, we get a piece of cake, but we missed the rest.
"Of course, there is a power and efficacy in hearing the word of God preached by a priest that does not occur when listening to a non-ordained person conducting a Communion service. (Thus, it is better if at least a deacon is conducting the Communion service because at least a valid homily could be given.)"
(C) 2018
Dec 6, 2018 18:55:16 #
Dec 7, 2018 00:34:14 #
That was my opinion when I posted it.
I was surprised at the boastful, pride in the description given by the Priest and his belief that this would appeal to others.
I was surprised at the boastful, pride in the description given by the Priest and his belief that this would appeal to others.
Rose42 wrote:
What a sick and twisted theology.
Dec 7, 2018 09:19:58 #
Zemirah wrote:
That was my opinion when I posted it.
I was surprised at the boastful, pride in the description given by the Priest and his belief that this would appeal to others.
I was surprised at the boastful, pride in the description given by the Priest and his belief that this would appeal to others.
A lot of their clergy is prideful. Imagine extending your arm for people to kiss your ring. That is a prideful act. How many of them think they really deserve that?
Dec 8, 2018 01:39:27 #
Well, if they really believe they have the power, far exceeding that of a warlock (male witch), to be able to sweep Jesus, who is God, off His throne in Heaven, whisk Him to earth, and invisibly insert him, flesh and blood, into a baked wafer on a weekly basis, or whenever they please, to be devoured, they must indeed believe they are "a god."
Great delusion and great false pride does indeed goeth before a great fall.
"The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:17-19)
Great delusion and great false pride does indeed goeth before a great fall.
"The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:17-19)
Rose42 wrote:
A lot of their clergy is prideful. Imagine extending your arm for people to kiss your ring. That is a prideful act. How many of them think they really deserve that?
Dec 8, 2018 09:23:45 #
Zemirah wrote:
Well, if they really believe they have the power, ... (show quote)
They put themselves above God when they do that. It's so twisted and demonic. I pray more people open their eyes to the truth.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.