That Is Why Many Are Weak And Ill....

My aha moment with respect toward the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine of the Eurcharist came when I read the following Scripture spoken by St. Paul in 1 Cor. 11:27-31:

"Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you: and many sleep. But if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

If the bread and wine were simply symbols of Christ's body and blood what would be the point of discerning whether it should be taken unworthily or not, after all it's just bread and wine. Notice the verse doesn't say guilty of the bread and wine of the Lord, but the body and blood of the Lord. Paul was capable to use different language if he wanted. BUT if it were really the body and really the blood then there would be a point to discern the matter by which to partake. And least anyone doubt such a thing, a symbolic view of the bread and wine would make this verse, "Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you: and many sleep." absolutely ridculous.

But because they are the real presence of Christ, partaking in a worthy manner brings healing and unworthily does not. Amazing!