[bobjam]

Queen Elizabeth I supposedly once said
"Christ took Bread and He brake it
He was the Word that spake it
And what He doth make it
I do believe and take it"

We all (Anglicans, Catholics, Orthodox and Lutherans) can agree that at the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit does something very important to the elements instituted by Christ (bread and wine), and that the result thereof should be reverently and humbly received by the faithful. While it may be fanciful to some to discuss the finer points of what exactly happens to that bread and wine, it does little service to He Who instituted this particular sacrament to get into fights over the matter.

[Kolokotronis]

"While it may be fanciful to some to discuss the finer points of what exactly happens to that bread and wine, it does little service to He Who instituted this particular sacrament to get into fights over the matter."

I agree wholeheartedly. Since we cannot know what really is going on, it being a Mystery, I've alsways thought that any arguments among people who believe in the real presence are frankly just plain silly. Sometimes the less said, the better.

[lightman]

Actually that profound poem comes from Priest/poet John Donne, better known for his prose "no man is an island..."

[TexasKamaAina]

I am reminded of Jerry Falwell, who said something along the lines of "If I believed about the Eucharist what you catholics say you believe, I'd crawl up that aisle on my belly."