That is because the force a literalism into it in which physically eating gives spiritual life, which is clearly contrary to Scripture and esp. John. As said, Jesus does not live by the Father by eating His flesh, but by consuming/believing His word, and thus doing His will is Jesus meat.
to the excellence of some really nice protestant messages, which are generally more motivating by miles.
With that admission you are in danger of being put on a TRC watch list.
We are desperate for spirit filled priests speaking to the spirit filled scrpture readings that are heard every Sunday.
You mean the typical 10 minute sermonette? Rare (and sought out by me) was the priest who could preach when i was a RC.
What a cannard. Been there, heard that.
What else (after all else fails), CAN a protestant pastor say? That what our Lord *really* meant to say was, “...consuming His word”, as you now repeat.
Our Lord *is* the Word. His Body is the Word. He says clearly what He meant and many walked away who could not accept it. Jesus did not try to explain it to the departing followers, nor did He try to woo them back. Even the Apostles who stayed did not yet understand His words. They certainly did not, “consume” them. Instead, Peter simply answers, “to whom would we go?”. They stayed in faith.
What my priest lacks in charisma is returned in full by his hands alone in offering Holy Communion. No priest, no Eucharist. I pray for him, who is under attack always.