Luther’s problem with transubstantiation was its reliance on Aristotelian categories of accidents and substance.
He even believed that Jesus was corporeally present in the Eucharist except he taught that Jesus was present “In, with, and under the species of bread and wine.”
The Fourth Council of the Lateran isn’t accepted in the Christian East, yet it firmly believes in the real presence of Christ.
It’s a mystery how the change happens, who knows and really why should we care?
Nothing we say will convince these people they are wrong.
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which dates to around 400 A.D. in its essentials prays:
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
It's interesting to me that the question is almost entirely a Western one. I once asked an Orthodox how they answered their children when a particular question concerning the Holy Eucharist was asked. His reply was: they don't ask.
It really is a Western mindset that resulted in this. And Protestants and atheists. These arose in the West.
I think there are positives in the Church's Western mind, science and scholasticism and the university system come to mind, but there are negatives also.
I love reading St. John Chrysostom, the Desert Fathers, the Philokalia; I recommend "Orthodox Spirituality by A Monk of the Eastern Church" to all Christians.
I think the two lungs together, taking the best of both, is the ideal we should strive for.
thank you for bringing forth the wisdom of the Eastern Fathers. i enjoy reading your posts and have learned a lot.
Because you can see nothing happens...It's not a mystery...Nothing happens...And some of you have said it only happens if you believe it happens...
Some (like me) would call that a fairy tale...I'd be asking a lot of questions before I'd base my Christianity and eternity on a fairy tale...
I drive my Viper convertible to work every day...Just burnin' up the highway...Sleek, fast, and a real head turner...
I climb out of the cock-pit in my employer's parking lot...A co-worker pulls up next to me and says, 'hey, your old Monte Carlo is is looking and sounding kind of rough'...
If he only knew, it's really a Viper...UhHuh....