I see the “seeds” of Liberal Protestantism in the Reformation. More than symbolic, something ontological is going on in the liturgy, the reading of scripture, the words of consecration, and the distribution of the communion elements. Merely symbolic just doesn’t cut it.
First, you asked about the Apostles and what they thought during that meal. I think they were completely befuddled. Jesus said a lot of things during the Last Supper, and I think virtually all of it went over their heads that night. They couldn't grasp any of it at that point. He was giving them material from a Ph.D. course in Theology, and they were kids in a Middle School Youth Group. 😁
Second, per your question as to what I believe about the meal? I too believe it is a mystery, and I am not wholly satisfied with any of the great faith traditions' explanations on their own. I rather believe it is "all of the above!" For me, there is too much involved to say it is "only" this, or "only" that. Why can't it be more? As we often say, let's not put God in a box, especially when it comes to this Sacrament.
While most of the disciples were not scholars, they were well versed in scripture and symbolism yet did not yet have the 3D version of Jesus in their reality/perception. Probably everything from huh? to ‘what parable is He teaching now?’ … Even today, people and denominations have their version set based on scripture, familia and church traditions. I don’t think we even have a grasp on its meaning which if fine, it helps us learn to reflect, ponder.
Dr. Watson, I can heartedly accept your explanation of what is transpiring in our participation of the Eucharist. Having been raised and instructed within a confessional Lutheran tradition, I too, cannot accept either the RC understanding or the mere memorialist position. The Lord’s Supper truly is a mystery, which is why we refer to it as a Sacrament and not merely an ordinance.
John 6:51- 58 accords well with a Eucharistic tone, but 35 -50 accords will with a Sapiental tone. But John’s ‘s Gospel has the disciples eat a meal the evening Before. Thus the need to remove Jesus because Passover was starting.
I see the “seeds” of Liberal Protestantism in the Reformation. More than symbolic, something ontological is going on in the liturgy, the reading of scripture, the words of consecration, and the distribution of the communion elements. Merely symbolic just doesn’t cut it.
David,
First, you asked about the Apostles and what they thought during that meal. I think they were completely befuddled. Jesus said a lot of things during the Last Supper, and I think virtually all of it went over their heads that night. They couldn't grasp any of it at that point. He was giving them material from a Ph.D. course in Theology, and they were kids in a Middle School Youth Group. 😁
Second, per your question as to what I believe about the meal? I too believe it is a mystery, and I am not wholly satisfied with any of the great faith traditions' explanations on their own. I rather believe it is "all of the above!" For me, there is too much involved to say it is "only" this, or "only" that. Why can't it be more? As we often say, let's not put God in a box, especially when it comes to this Sacrament.
While most of the disciples were not scholars, they were well versed in scripture and symbolism yet did not yet have the 3D version of Jesus in their reality/perception. Probably everything from huh? to ‘what parable is He teaching now?’ … Even today, people and denominations have their version set based on scripture, familia and church traditions. I don’t think we even have a grasp on its meaning which if fine, it helps us learn to reflect, ponder.
John 6:31-59
1Corinthians 10:4
John 15:5-8
Dr. Watson, I can heartedly accept your explanation of what is transpiring in our participation of the Eucharist. Having been raised and instructed within a confessional Lutheran tradition, I too, cannot accept either the RC understanding or the mere memorialist position. The Lord’s Supper truly is a mystery, which is why we refer to it as a Sacrament and not merely an ordinance.
John 6:51- 58 accords well with a Eucharistic tone, but 35 -50 accords will with a Sapiental tone. But John’s ‘s Gospel has the disciples eat a meal the evening Before. Thus the need to remove Jesus because Passover was starting.