Fasting and the Lord's Supper.

[MoreCoffee]

The Holy Eucharist is the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ it is also his soul and divinity so in receiving it/him one receives the Word of God made flesh (under the appearance of bread and wine) which our Lord taught is to receive Life. In Catholic practise one fasts before receiving the body and blood of the Lord. The fast used to be from last meal the day before until at least one hour after receiving holy communion but in recent days - in western lands - the fast has been lightened so that an hour prior to receiving and no specific time after receiving is acceptable. What is the practise in your church? Oh, and before we get started, it is okay to discuss the meaning, theology, and significance of the Lord's supper if you want to. This thread is not only/merely about fasting.

 

[Albion]

Fasting before receiving Holy Communion is a good custom, but there is no reason to think it necessary, whatever ones denomination might be. The more superstitious churches of course will disagree.

 

[Josiah]

The Holy Eucharist is the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ it is also his soul and divinity so in receiving it/him one receives the Word of God made flesh (under the appearance of bread and wine) which our Lord taught is to receive Life. In Catholic practise one fasts before receiving the body and blood of the Lord. The fast used to be from last meal the day before until at least one hour after receiving holy communion but in recent days - in western lands - the fast has been lightened so that an hour prior to receiving and no specific time after receiving is acceptable. What is the practise in your church? Oh, and before we get started, it is okay to discuss the meaning, theology, and significance of the Lord's supper if you want to. This thread is not only/merely about fasting.

I reject the new, unique, 1551 Eucharistic Dogma of the individual, singular RC denomination - that of Transubstantiation and Accidents. I believe what Jesus said and Paul by inspiration penned.

 

[Lamb]

Here is the Lutheran view taken from Luther's Small Catechism:

THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Fourth: Who, then, is properly prepared to receive this sacrament?

Fasting and other outward preparations may serve a good purpose, but he is properly prepared who believes these words, "Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins." But whoever does not believe these words or doubts them is not prepared, because the words "for you" require nothing but hearts that believe.

 

[Josiah]

Here is the Lutheran view taken from Luther's Small Catechism:

THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Fourth: Who, then, is properly prepared to receive this sacrament?

Fasting and other outward preparations may serve a good purpose, but he is properly prepared who believes these words, "Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins." But whoever does not believe these words or doubts them is not prepared, because the words "for you" require nothing but hearts that believe.

Yup.


I think 3 things matter....

1. Repentance
2. Faith in Christ as THE Savior in whom alone we have forgiveness.
3. Discerning that Christ's Body and Blood are truly present.



.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Fasting before communion and possibly after communion is merely a sign of respect. It isn't a replacement for faith and holiness in one's way of life.