The Eucharist is the Body of Christ…

… The Eucharist is the Body of Christ. It is the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ. Christ transubstantiated. Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus. Even if you don’t fully understand the concept it doesn’t make it any less so. Either you believe it or you don’t.

Now if you are Catholic chances are high you believe it. Well, you are supposed to believe it at least. Knowing and believing what you do about the Eucharist it follows reason that you would want to 1) protect Him from being profaned, and 2) not present yourself to receive Him if you are in a state of mortal sin.

Everyone knows this. Or at least everyone should. If you don’t, please re-read the above over and over until it sinks in. I’ll wait.

In light of this knowledge, let us consider this news article for a moment, Lesbian Denied Communion at Her Mother’s Funeral – which is already being reported with great bias by every major news outlet. I understand, dear media, this matter is of graver importance than say… oh, I don’t know… reporting fifty Christian tourists being stoned by Muslims in Jerusalem.

Your bias angers me.

Back to the story…

The gist; a lesbian women was denied from receiving the Body of Christ at her mother’s funeral because she presented herself and her live-in partner to the priest before the funeral. With that bit of information we can logically surmise this isn’t a matter of a priest making a snap decision while distributing the Eucharist. He had knowledge beforehand that she was a practicing lesbian who lived with her partner of 19 years. Note “19 years” – so it’s also not a matter of a repentant sinner either. To continue in a state of mortal sin for 19 years is a clear indication that you either fail to acknowledge you are committing sin and/or just don’t care.

Personally, I fail to see how this is even a news worthy item. In my opinion this is just another attempt by the media to paint the Catholic Church as an evil and uncaring entity that hates gays, wants to ban birth control, and force women to have babies they don’t want or can’t afford. Just in time for elections, because nothing unites voters like a shared hatred of a third party.

There is nothing shocking here to read in this news item. The Church has always believed what she believes about homosexuality and any other type of mortal sin. I find it more disturbing that she had the gall to expect to receive the Body of Christ in such a state or either she was inculpable based on ignorance and poor catechism. The latter would be tragically sad. Either way, I support this priest in his defense of the Body of Christ.