Holy Communion for cohabitants (1)
During the TV programme Xarabank (May 14), I was totally disgusted with what Fr George Dalli said about the Holy Eucharist and cohabiting couples.
It is a known fact that to receive the Holy Eucharist, which is the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, you must be without any mortal sin. And each and every sin is forgiven after you repent, ask God for forgiveness and decide not to sin again. Then, and only then, can you go to confession and ask God, through the priest, to forgive you. And God, faithful to His promise, will forgive and will not remember your sin any more. "Yahweh de-clares, since I shall forget their guilt and never more call their sin to mind" (Jeremiah 31-34).
Now, since each and every cohabiting couple is living under one roof as a married couple, they are no doubt living in sin! I do not want to be judgmental but these are facts. Jesus also said: "But I say to you, that whoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt. 5, 28). Not to mention that you are living with a person who is not your wife or husband!
"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" (1Cor. 11, 27). This is the teaching that St Paul preached to the Corinthians. Unfortunately, Fr Dalli preached otherwise on Xarabank.
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Joe Zammit
May 26th 2010, 21:29
Judging others is one thing, correcting others is another. Christ prohibits us from judging others but COMMANDS us to correct others. 'Judging' means deciding the state of the soul of others before God. 'Correcting' means pointing to others what appears to be wrong in them.
Correcting others is a work of mercy and, if done out of our love for God, the others can benefit a lot from our correcting them.
At the same time we must be humble enough to let others correct us as well!
Joseph M Meli
May 23rd 2010, 17:27
@MBonnici:::> Now the Curia replied, where we judging others or you intend to take our rights by closing our mouth or what we have to say?
Joseph MELI
May 20th 2010, 22:08
No one is judging and since when we cannot quote what the book of Catechism of the Catholic Church says ? Or do we have to hide our heads into the sand and let things as they are or do we do it our way ? What's the meaning of this?
MBonnici
May 20th 2010, 17:11
DON'T JUDGE OR YOU WILL BE JUDGED this is the only think that matters in this article, I don't have faith in our church any more cause it's laws and believes are not those of Jesus who taught us to love each other and no one is forgot by him. The laws are made to secure church strenght to have power on people. If a family happens to be in a perfect marriage life is very easy and with the church you would have no problem but if your marriage fails in maltese we say "holl xaghrek u gib iz zejt". Could some one explain to me if my marriage fails and find a partner that she as well had a failed marriage and now we are living together and happily cohabiting???? we are doing nothing wrong and I don't thing god will burn us in hell we are not killing nobody nor stealing and nor making sins. Here I think there are still few mental sick people who condemn others to live in seclusion just because their marriage failed. LIVE YOUR LIFE AND LET OTHERS TO LIVE.
Joe Zammit
May 24th 2010, 16:17
Live your life as God wants you to live it, otherwise you would be ruining your life. God's Commandments are there for our own good and transgressing them will only be to our detriment. Cohabitation is a sinful life, so avoid it!
Joe Zammit
May 20th 2010, 14:50
The Catholic Church has already spoken through her document on when the divorced and cohabitants can receive Holy Communion worthily.
I refer to those who want to read more on what the Catholic Church teaches regarding the reception of Holy Communion by divorced and cohabitants to the LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CONCERNING THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION BY THE DIVORCED AND REMARRIED MEMBERS OF THE FAITHFUL to be found in the following website:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_14091994_rec-holy-comm-by-divorced_en.html
Joseph Meli
May 20th 2010, 14:44
Recently 14/05/2010 on Xarabank it was reported or gave the intention that a separated person can receive the Holy Host (Communion) because God gave us one commandment [not Ten], that is "to love one another".
First of all one should read Doctrine of the faith written when this Pope when he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in his letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the reception of Holy Communion by the divorced and remarried/separated of the faithfull he said that the church does not permit the Eucharistic communication to those that are separated or divorced and not as explained by that priest in civil.
If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God's law. Consequently, they cannot receive Eucharistic communion as long as this situation persists. For the same reason, they cannot exercise certain Ecclesiastes responsibilities. Reconciliation through the sacrament of Penance can be granted only to those who have repented for having violated the sign of the covenant and of fidelity to Christ, and who are committed to living in complete continence. [see book of Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1650] Curia Should..reply....
Joe Fenech
May 20th 2010, 11:49
Doesn't Xarabank have anything better to discuss?
And Communion.. : WHO CARES????????????????????
AAzzopardi
May 20th 2010, 10:53
@ Joe Zammit
Are you for real????
have you ever noticed that there is always a choice in life. I'm not a believer but happily married, however I think that the church and people like yourself should open their mind to the fact that we are living in 2010. These case will become more and more common so unless the church changes their attidude, less and less people will be interested in what the church is and what it has to preach!
Daniel Schembri
May 19th 2010, 22:32
Faith, believing that which you know it's highly improbable.
Pathetic.
This should not even be portrayed in the media.
Emancipation of the intellect should on the other hand be exhalted.
It's science and philosophy. Religion is not the answer. It may be a guidance, if you are able to see the analogy, which clearly Mr Vella is unable to see, but it may turn out into a delusional defence mechanism.
So I agree with Fr George Dalli. Be careful not to throw in the dustbin of dogma that which is a solid spirituality for the sake of institutionalized-dogma-based-christianity.
Many are those who are christian, but have satanic values. And this intolerance, is one of them. They have no idea what their religion tries to project. The miss the forest for the trees.
Joe Zammit
May 19th 2010, 21:10
The Catholic Church in Malta has already given instructions on when cohabitants can receive Holy Communion. The instructions say clearly that cohabitation is sinful. So those who cohabit must separate if they have no children. Otherwise they are living in grave sin, separate from God and on the way to hell.
Those cohabitants who cannot separate because they have children can receive Holy Communion worthily if 1) they are in the state of grace; 2) abstain from all internal and external sexual acts; and 3) if they are going to receive Holy Communion in a place where they are not known so to avoid scandal.
S. Calleja
May 20th 2010, 08:49
Your statements are full of contradictions, hyprocrisy and superstition.
Miguel Micallef
May 20th 2010, 12:31
Cool, I'm on the way to hell.
Highhhhawayyyy to heeeelllll \../
LOL
Miguel Micallef
May 20th 2010, 12:34
Apart from informing us that we are all on the way to hell, can you reply to the previous comments and show us just one thing, no matter how small, that is hard evidence that jesus even existed? Let alone being who you're saying he is? You can link us to something, or guide us to something I presume, since you believe it with all this fervor. I know I have facts for everything in which I believe so with such force, but, do you? Or are you just happy with fantasies?
victor pulis
May 20th 2010, 13:39
' if they are going to receive Holy Communion in a place where they are not known so to avoid scandal.'
Not known by whom? God?
If they are cohabiting and not in a 'state of grace' they are commiting sacrilege. on the other hand if they are in a state of grace they have nothing to fear from man.
GiovDeMartino@Victor Pulis
May 19th 2010, 17:57
Sur Pulis titkellimx ghax ma tifhimx! Thallatx l-Ewkaristija mal-Grizma tal-Morda. Biex titqarben trid tkun fil-grazzja t'Alla. Il-Grizma tyal-Morda, bhall-qrar, qeghda biex tahfer id-dnubiet. Nispera li qtajthielek il-kurzita.
victor pulis
May 20th 2010, 13:36
Sur Demartino grazzi tal illumunazzjoni. Qed nara li int ragel ta' hafna talenti u mhux espert biss fil politika. Imma kellek ghalfejn tghidli biex ma nitkellimx? Int bhala ex ghalliem imissek smajt bil qawl Il mistoqsija oht il gherf. Bil mistoqsija tieghi tajtek cans turi l-gherf tieghek!Ma tantx tajtni mpressjoni tajba ta' kristjan.
Roderick Micallef
May 19th 2010, 16:12
Facts? What facts? The bible hasn't got ANY facts at all, infact the only character in the whole bible that we have facts confirming his existence was only Ponzius Pilato and NO ONE else, not even Jesus Christ himself, so before saying that 'these are facts' check properly.
If you think that quoting the bible means quoting facts then you are really but really on the wrong track.
As regards to the mortal sins and what not, there is really nothing to be worried about because if Jesus Christ really came to this world to save us from our sins and if he really came to die on the cross to make good for our sins then we are already covered.
Additionally (according to the roman catholic religion) our faith is already planned for and our destiny has already been pre-planned by God, therefore, we have no say what so ever. It is useles praying, it is useless going to church and it is useless repenting because the plan has alredy been written ages ago and it will not be changed so why bother? why worry?
I guess it would be better if every one stops judging and pointing fingers!
Miguel Micallef
May 19th 2010, 16:25
Plus one on this facts issue, I checked and checked and Jesus doesn't exist outside of the 'bible'. I always hear catholics saying that maybe the bible is a bit funny, but there's other real historical records of so and so, but, can anyone show any real proof or records of Jesus' existance?
Chris Reiff
May 19th 2010, 17:06
Most people don't even know that the Jesus story is a blatant copy from other old myths, such as Dionysius, Mithras, and Vishnu. But people don't question that which makes them feel comfortable, and others uncomfortable.
Jurgen Grech
May 20th 2010, 08:49
- Cornelius Tacitus, a historian wrote that "the name is derived from Christ, whom the procurator Pontius Pilate had executed in the reign of Tiberius.”
- Flavius Josephus mentioned James as being the brother of Jesus "whom he called Christ"
- Suetonius and Pliny the Younger, respected writers, also mentioned Christ in the writings.
Charlie Brown
May 19th 2010, 15:48
xhin naqra dan l artiklu niftakar fli qal rousseau " Man is born free but everywhere is in chains" fejn il knisja ghada trid tikkontrolla il hajja tan nies 'taghha' bil ligijiet li tghamel minflok tghallem il valuri u tieqaf hemm....
Biss having said that, ma nistax ma ninnutax kem ikkumentaw nies tan nejk! jekk ghawn daqsekk nies li qed jghidu lis sur emanuel biex ma jiggudikax, kif umbad jigu jiggudawh huma u jghidu li "zgur li mintix xi qaddis", "narrow minded" etc etc... Jien nahseb li min hu mohhu miftuh bizzejed biex jajjar in nies narrow minded, qas ghandu ghalfejn jibotherja ruhu jikkumenta...
o. galea
May 19th 2010, 14:17
On entering the Kindgom of heaven....
MATTHEW 19 V:30
... BUT MANY (who think) THAT ARE FIRST SHALL BE LAST, AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST !
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY......
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:12).”
Karl Consiglio
May 19th 2010, 12:50
Imagine the priest saying "No i'm not giving the host to you" whenever he deems it fit.
DGatt
May 19th 2010, 08:33
If all the Holier than Thou bloggers writing in here are all going to Heaven, then I prefer to rot in hell than spend eternal life with you lot.......
Hypocrites!
JFenech
May 19th 2010, 07:31
Pity there's no 11th commandment. It should have read "Mind your own business"!
Joe Xuereb
May 18th 2010, 22:51
@ Henry S. Pace. Shock, horror!! The very thought that one day we might have homosexual priests and, stretching the imagination a bit further, even female priests of the lesbian variety. Well Henry, Hooray, I'll take you out of your misery. I, personally, know a number of homosexual priests, both home-grown and foreign (as indeed I know homosexuals of stature of any profession. We're not all hair and window/dressers, you know). Now homosexual priests - it's a known fact that the priesthood has been a magnet for homosexuals who, erroneously, thought that holy orders would resolve their guilt and their angst - no hope!) - homosexual priests were not 'known' homosexuals when ordained but their superiors knew alright (one doesn't need to be a shirt-lifter to recognise another but it helps if one is - as one often was). I don't think holy orders attract so many homosexuals nowadays - the young are wiser and wordlier. In any case, the church cannot afford to turn anyone away in these days of dwindling vocations. And finally Henry, of hundreds and hundreds of saints, do you really think that not one of them was a bit 'fancy'?
Chris Reiff
May 18th 2010, 22:49
This also reminds me of homophobic apologists: I don't hate you; God does. You people need to stop quoting an ancient text whose morals are all but sadomasochistic and wake up from your sleep. if you want people to respect you, respect them and their private lives.
L.Mamo
May 18th 2010, 22:47
Hats off to Mr Williams. He has an exact knowledge of what the Word of God say. If only his comments may serve to induce others to read the Bible through mere curiosity! (The Bible say "My people perish for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4 : 6). And may the Holy Spirit help them to understand His Word.
Chris Reiff
May 18th 2010, 22:40
You have just insulted thousands of people. Just because someone quotes the Bible, doesn't mean it's disgusting.
JJ Creg
May 18th 2010, 22:21
Christians Give God a Bad Name - Washington Post
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2008/07/christians_give_god_a_bad_name.html
C. Farrugia
May 18th 2010, 22:10
And how about those who are married and living under one roof....but either one or the other is in an adulterous relationship? Is it ok for them to receive communion? Since you're not judgemental, I'm only seeking your opinion!
Joe Zammit
May 18th 2010, 21:14
St. Ignatius of Antioch heard St. John preach when he was a boy. Seven of his letters written to various Christian communities have been preserved. Eventually, he received the martyr's crown as he was thrown to wild beasts in the arena. In one of his letters he wrote:
"Consider how contrary to the mind of God are those have no regard for charity, none for the widow, the orphan, the oppressed, none for the man in prison, the hungry or the thirsty. They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not admit that the EUCHARIST IS THE FLESH OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, the flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in His graciousness, raised from the dead."
K J Vella
May 18th 2010, 21:06
but paedophilia is ok - that sin we cover up and the perpetrators don't go to jail! Lusting is defined in the english dictionary as "to have a sexual urge" (Webster). Whereas loving is completely different - so I suggest to this priest to look up words before he spews venom
Emmanuel Marmara'
May 18th 2010, 20:54
THOSE who are happily married have no right what so ever to talk about those who have / had a somewhat troubled marriage. If these still want to love or be loved they have all the right to do so without the iterference of these so called Christian / Catholics and since they are living a happy and honest life they have the right to communion like the rest of us.. JUDGE AND YOU SHALL BE JUDGED...These people are living a more honest life than those who are married and go behind their wife's / husband's back and then go to receive Holy Comunion
Eric Mamo
May 18th 2010, 20:15
Sounds like everyone is a pseudo St Peter with the keys to heaven clutched in their tight fists. Everyone should be guided by their conscience and should look at their own lives not tsk at someone else`s. God preserve us from armchair theologians and the like. With their loogic you can kill your estranged wife, repent and remarry, but cohabit?
Deo Catania
May 18th 2010, 20:15
@Emanuel Vella. Since when (according to your narrow mind) is love between a man and a woman cohabitating considered a sin? Pls do us all a favour, we can tolerate ignorance but do not over do it (for your own good after all).
Emmanuel Marmara'
May 18th 2010, 19:52
Can any of these Holier Than THOU answer this question ?
If these mentioned couples are living happily and honestly together cannot receive Holy Communion ( which of course is absurd )....DO PRIESTS WHO HAVE LEFT AND ARE LIVING WITH A WOMAN (MARRIED OR NOT ) CAN THESE RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION ??????
Gerry cowie
May 18th 2010, 19:50
Ramon Casha appears to be showing an interest in the Catholic Faith!
Let us pray for his conversion!
Marisa Bugeja
May 18th 2010, 19:13
Perhaps the archbishop should step in and give a ruling here ...?
Claire Busuttil
May 18th 2010, 19:09
Il knisja titkellem kif jaqblilha milli jidher, Konsistenza zero!!
Robert Callus
May 18th 2010, 18:57
I'm not Catholic but that doesn't mean I haven't got a sense of morality. And I think it is highly immoral to discriminate between people because of their life choices, to judge as if you are God, and hurt people and cause unnecessary guilt feelings for people who were unfortunate enough to have their marriage gone bad.
Maybe Fr Dalli is not conforming 100% to the teachings of the Catholic church. However, he is 100% in line with the teaching of Christ. It was Christ who talked against throwing stones not the Catholic church, am I right?
victor pulis
May 18th 2010, 18:43
Is extreme unction (grizma tal morda) also denied cohabiting couples? if so is the priest condemning them to everlasting fire? just pleasantly curious.
GiovDeMartino
May 18th 2010, 18:11
Imbaghad nistghagbu kif il-knejjes qed jizvojtaw! Ahfrilhom, Sinjur!
MBorg
May 18th 2010, 17:35
We might be living in the 20th century, but we still have to follow the laws of the Catholic church, that is if we are believers.
Our religion is not a " mix and match " sort of religion. One cannot just choose which parts to follow. There are some no, nos, and yes they include adultery or cohabitation.
We all sin and God will forgive us , but to get forgivness we must repent and say that we will try not to commit the same sin again. How can anyone in all honesty say this when it is plain that he/ she will return to the same relationship?
The world has changed, for the better ? At the rate we are going , where everything and anything goes married couples will be a rarity in a few years time. Will this so called modern world be better for it ? Only time can give us the answer.
S. Calleja
May 19th 2010, 09:07
"married couples will be a rarity in a few years time"
With new legal rights for cohabitants and no divorce law, I'm afraid you might be correct.
Henry S Pace
May 18th 2010, 17:20
It is very much regretted that Xarabank seem to make a feast day when certain tired priest who for some reason or another appear on TV to state and declare something in conflict to the teachings of the Catholic Church and against the Comandments that the Lord God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is a fact that we are all sinners we cannot judge others doings.
That is in the hands of God and only he can judge each and everyone of us.
Who knows perhaps when this same priest or some other that may appear on TV might say that the Catholic Church must appoint Homosexual priests and even lesbians if ever the our catholic church ordains women priests.
We do expect that the Church Authorities proclaim itself of what Fr Dalli said on Xarabank.
anthony girard
May 18th 2010, 17:02
Fr. George Dalli is correct.
How can anyone - except the Almighty - judge who is worthy or unworthy.
Joseph Galea
May 18th 2010, 16:55
@Emmanuel - Give us a break will you, "who has never sinned can throw the first stone"
We are in 2010, its becuase of people like you that the church is in such a miserable position today...
Lets not blindly live on the words that were written hundreds of year ago, the world have changed since then if you didnt noticed yet!
Christopher Xuereb
May 18th 2010, 16:52
I am one of the relatively fortunate few Maltese to have had my marriage (church blessed and contracted in Malta) dissolved by a foreign court. After my divorce I met a wonderful woman with whom I have shared my life for much of the last decade and a half. If my relationship is adulterous then I happily recommend adultery to everyone.
anton cassar
May 18th 2010, 16:46
"I say to you, that whoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt. 5, 28)".................If these are the facts mela my poor soul is destined to burn in hell........Ic-cucata li its stronger then me...
Victor Laiviera
May 18th 2010, 16:19
I just LOVED the bit where Mr Vella said "I do not want to be judgmental but ...", :) :)
J. J. Borg
May 18th 2010, 16:18
What bothers me is that there seems to be no consistency and maybe even two weights and measures. Some weeks ago Silvio Berlusconi received communion from a cardinal in a very public ceremony. When some people pointed out that he is divorced and remarried they were told that since Berlusconi is no longer living with his second wife, he may indeed receive communion. Never mind that he has been inviting prostitutes to his official residence and holding wild parties at his home on Sardinia.
joe scerri
May 18th 2010, 16:13
Are pedophile priests allowed to receive holy communion ?
G.Micallef
May 18th 2010, 16:41
Whoever is in the STATE OF SIN should NOT recieve Holy Communion. ALL those who REPENT and CONFESS their sins have the right to recieve Holy Communion. God HATES SIN not the sinner!
JFenech
May 19th 2010, 07:34
So in theory one can sin ad nauseam as long as he or she repents. How convenient! And they say that atheists have it easy.
Charles Sammut
May 18th 2010, 15:54
Jesus also said: "But I say to you, that whoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt. 5, 28).
Might as well go the whole hog and get full value for your mortal sin.
Charles Sammut (Mosta)
Charles Sammut (NY USA)
May 18th 2010, 15:27
Re namesake . It does not take a genius to realise that the Church Laws were written by men so as far as I am concerned caveat emptor. Biggest joke of all was how at one time one was able to buy indulgencies so if you happened to be poor you really had it bad. My intentions are not to bash the Church but rather those that simply go along without questioning anything. I think the saga of Galileo should be an eye opener for everybody. Now the ten Commandments obviously came down from a Higher Being. No ambiguity there whatsoever. Yes indeed there is alot of truth to the notion that good minds think alike. Most of the time your I feel like I had written the comments attributed to you.
Jason Fenech
May 19th 2010, 08:27
I'd like to think that you were being sarcastic about the commandments comment. It doesn't take Shakespeare to realise that there's nothing divinely about them.
Anyway, just to expand on the topic brought up, a simple read through ought to prove my point, something that most people should do but probably never bother to. I'll be referring to the bible version since the catholic ones are slightly altered.
The first 3 are there to make sure that you do not switch god. The 4th is the reason why Sunday is generally a holiday for most. 5-8 are mostly common sense save for no.7 perhaps. 9 and 10 are obviously historical in nature since I very much doubt that today one would have thoughts about his neighbours’ donkey or ox.
All in all the Golden Rule does a better job at establishing a moral code. Incidentally Jesus himself espoused this rule. Mathew 7:12 “In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you” and Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you want them to do to you”.
But I am a non-believer, the scourge of humanity, so who am I to interpret the holy books?
Christopher Xuereb
May 18th 2010, 15:19
What a circus! I recommend Lord of the Rings. It may be a work of fiction too but at least it has the merit of being entertaining.
c. camilleri
May 18th 2010, 14:44
@ Dereck Fenech. You left out the concluding part to the adulterer. ''your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more'
Joseph Seisun
May 18th 2010, 14:36
Sadly, many Christians are quick to quote the Bible but often with no proper study of the Word. One cannot pick a verse and interpret it out of its original context.
In this case Paul is addressing the Church in Corinth. Now, in the early church they had a nice fellowship that seemed that to take place every week. They called it the agape feast and at a certain point they recalled the Last Supper. Paul was informed that during this feast some people were over eating and over drinking even to the point of getting drunk, while others, most probably the servants and poor, were left with practically nothing. Paul is rebuking these persons because of their behaviour. "For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till he comes" (1 Cor 11:26). Other interpretations have nothing to do with this historical fact.
Kat Gauci
May 18th 2010, 14:10
Mr.Vella,
Are you going to make separated people and cohabiting people wear a yellow star so that they are easily recognised and will not be offered the Holy Eucharist?
chris rickards
May 18th 2010, 14:06
I beleive everyone is entitled to take Holy Eucharist. It is a symbol of rememberence and reflection. The bread and wine are symbols of Jesus's sacrifice to mankind, not to a specific few. The argument against cohabitants is ridiculous. 50% of those people are separated for no fault of there own and you expect them to live a life of loneliness. Of course, they are entitled to move on in their lives as they are entitled to receive communion. Can anyone say that the disciples were without sin ? Two of them went on to betray Jesus one way or another and who is to say that Mary Magdalene (A whore) did not receive at the last supper, after all, not all books in the bible are open to public viewing.
renald williams
May 18th 2010, 13:46
peace and health
Theophilus t’Antijokija.
Nies bla sens jghidu paroli vojta: u jxerrdu l-GIDEB; fejn kelliema minghajr Alla jakkuzawna bil-GIDEB, billi jghidu li dawk li jaduraw lil Alla u jissejhu Kristjani, jieklu laham uman.
Ewsebju (263-340).
Ircivejna TIFKIRA ta' l-offerta ta' Kristu li niccelebraw fuq il-mejda permezz tas-SIMBOLI ta' l-gisem u d-demm tieghu li jsalva skond il-ligi tat-Testment il-Gdid.
Gejna mghallma noffru sagrificcji bla demm u accettabli ghal Alla suprem permezz tal-Qassis il-Kbir tieghu li hu fuq kulhadd.
L-inbid u l-hobz JIRRAPREZENTAW il-misteru ta’ gismu u demmu li salvawna.
San Gwanni Krisostmu (347-407).
Fl-ewkaristija m’hemmx il-prezenza reali tal-gisem ta’ Kristu.
Theodoret, isqof ta’ Cipru (Seklu 5).
In-natura tas-SIMBOLI mistici (ta' l-Ewkaristija) ma titnehhiex; jibqghu fis-sustanza ta' qabel, l-ghamla u l-forma, u tista' tarahom u tmisshom bhal qabel.
Athenagoras.
Jekk xi hadd jghallem li l-bnedmin ghandhom jieklu laham uman; m’hu ha jkun hemm xejn xi zomm il-bnedmin, milli jieklu lil xulxin. Li tghid dan it-taghlim: hu kontra l-ligi; u li tghid li bnedmin jieklu l-laham uman, hu xi haga li ghandha tkun mibghuda u michuda. Nichad li xi hadd jista’ jghid ezempju wiehed; fejn Alla jghidilna biex nieklu laham uman, MKIEN.
Jason Borg
May 18th 2010, 16:37
Mr. Williams - I see that you have been busy again with your quotes. Maybe between one quote and another you will find a wee bit of time to tell us to which Church/denomination you belong to. I am Roman Catholic.
renald williams
May 18th 2010, 13:45
peace-health
Sas-seklu ghaxra fil-Knisja Kattolika, patri Ratramnus, kiteb u sostna li l-hobz u l-inbid huma l-gisem u d-demm f'sens FIGURATTIV biss.
Duns Skotu, li ghex sas-seklu erbatax (1265-1308), jammetti li d-dottrina tat-transustanzazzjoni (l-hobz u l-inbid isiru litteralment wkoll il-gisem u d-demm tal-Mulej) MA KINITX artiklu ta' fidi, u ghalhekk MHUX dottrina li trid titwemmen bilfors, qabel il-Koncilju Lateran IV fis-seklu 13 (1215), fi zmien il-Papa Innocenzju IV.
SanGustinu l-Martri (100-165) Il-hobz li Kristu tana biex noffru hu TIFKIRA ta' gismu … il-kalci li ghallimna noffru fl-Ewkaristija, hu KOMMEMORAZZJONI ta' demmu.
SanIrinew (140-202). Mela s-servizz ta’ l-ewkaristija MHUX wiehed tal-gisem imma spiritwali.
Klement ta' Lixandra (150-216) Ghaldaqstant l-Iskrittura semmiet l-inbid is-SIMBOLU tad-demm qaddis. Il-Mulej: fl-Evangelju ta’ Gwann; wera s-SIMBOLIZMU meta qal, Kulu gismi u ixorbu demmi. Iddeskriva b’METAFORA l-possibilita’ li tixrob il-fidi u l-weghda. Fir-realta’; id-demm tal-fidi hi t-tama, li zzomm il-fidi.
Tertulljanu (160-240) billi hasbu li Hu (Gesu') realment u litteralment qalilhom biex jieklu gismu; Hu spjega, Hu l-ispirtu li jiswa’, il-gisem ma jiswiex. Il-kliem li nghidilkom huma spirtu u hajja. Min jisma’ kliemi u jemmen ghandu l-hajja ta’ dejjem.
Wara li ha il-hobz u tah lid-dixxipli, ghamlu gismu stess, billi qal, 'Dan hu gismi,' jigifieri s-SIMBOLU ta' gismi.
m borg
May 18th 2010, 13:38
Mr Vella, you seriously need to grow up spiritually before it's too late. The roman catholic church is an institution made by man. The laws within it have also been created by man and they have changed through the ages. Latest example is the existance of the limbo which after many centuries being told that babies without baptism went to limbo in reality was all fiction. Next will be purgatory because even that does not exist in the bible. The bible does not mention mortal sin either. There is only sin. So please, instead of condemning people because you were taught so, open your mind and heart to God and God only and than you will understand.
Robert Aquilina
May 18th 2010, 13:36
Mr Vella, you are being judgemental even though you needed to explain that you are not. The teachings of St Paul and the Church are for you to live the good life and not for you to be judgemental of others. There is only one judge in the end!
Charles Sammut
May 18th 2010, 12:57
Seems like Charles Sammut NY USA and I, have the same inquisitive and open mind!
If I may correct him though..eating meat on Friday ( not Sunday ) used to be a henious mortal sin.
I ask.....what happened to those poor "Sinners"..who ate meat on Fridays when being a carnivor on Fridays was taboo..the Innocent Infants who died before being baptised, when they had no say in it at all...the Catholics who snacked less than 24hrs prior to receiving Communion..
the poor Faithfulls who dared touch the Host with their fingers/ hands..etc..etc..etc..?
ANSWER: according to the Church's teachings in those days, these sinners were despatched to Hot Hell or in the case of the infants,their soul got stuck half way between heaven and earth .....Purgotary!
Have these millions of "sinners" been elevated to Heaven?
I say " GOOD on YOU Fr.George, you are a true Peoples' Priest and if the Holy Roman Catholic Church had more priests like you..I am certain that the peoples' faith in this same Church would be stronger and there would be more practising Catholics"!
To the narrow minded people out there,I ask " Did you comment about paedophile priests? "
Charles Sammut ( ex-Swieqi) Naxxar
Joseph Seisun
May 18th 2010, 14:54
@ both Charles Sammut :)
Good points. The truth is that certain teachings and traditions in the Church have caused a lot of problems. The Church should be strong and humble to re-address such teachings and traditions. Many (not all) will see this as very positive and a sign of maturity.
JJ Creg
May 18th 2010, 12:56
Jesus' Warning To The Hypocrites
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5 RSV)
Mario Scicluna
May 18th 2010, 12:54
@Emmanuel Vella
Miniex ha nahli wisq hin ghalik, imma zgur int m'intiex xi perfett, xi qaddis jew beatu ta!
Imma kif ikun hawn nies semplici u komuni li jridu jaghtu gudizzju u jmexxu l-hajja ta' haddiehor f'dan il-pajjiz???!
Is Sur E. Vella rega fakkarni f'dik il parabbola ta' Sidna Gesu' fejn quddiem it-tfal jisimghuh, qallhom sabiex jghidulu min ghamel sew, dak li missiru qallu biex imur jghinu fl-ghalqa, u ibnu qallu 'Iva mela le(biex jintoghgob), u fil-fatt ma mar xejn, JEW l-iben l-iehor li gerger ftit, imma obdih, sema minnu u mar jghinu fl-ghalqa! U l-qassisin il-kbar zgur hadu tbezbiza minn din il-parabbola, ghax huma hafna dawk li jhabbtu fuq sidirhom u arahom jitkazaw! Oqbra mbajjda!
Fis-Saltna t'Alla hemm post ghalina iva, allavolja nikkoabita. Mhux imbilli jghid is Sur Emmanuel Vella!!
R. Azzopardi
May 18th 2010, 12:48
U kemm taghtu kas jahasra. Why bother with people who quote the scriptures and point fingers? I am living in sin according to Mr. Vella. Do I care? I most certainly do not. Mind you. I am not married, nor seperated and neither am I annulled. I just happen to be a single man who met a woman and fell in love like most other single men do. The difference is that my partner is a separated woman. Until a few years ago, I was younger and foolish and shut God out of my life. I hadn't been to mass in no less than 14 years. A chain of events made me turn to God and I now go to church regularly. I like to think of myself as a sheep that was lost and has been found. Sometimes I feel the urge to receive holy communion and I do so and I have absolutely no regrets. Am I committing a mortal sin? Maybe. I'll let God Himself judge me though.
Maria Gauci
May 18th 2010, 23:17
One of the best comments indeed!!!
J. Grech
May 20th 2010, 16:31
Spot on! Perfect comment.
l. Dimech
May 18th 2010, 12:28
Well done Mr. Vella. What a learned man you are...... I suggest you keep on reading until you understand what God is about. You must be sure of your own salvation to feel qualified to judge Fr. George and cohabitants.
Let me challenge your mind, so you have something to think about.
The more I read , the more I am convinced that Jesus Christ became Man, so that in his infinite kindness God Almighty would know exactly what it meant to be human with all our weaknesses. So much so that He was born in the worst way possible, and even to a virgin which was the biggest taboo of the time.
He also died in the most undignified way any man could die. He didn't have to do any of this, but He did, so that when He judges us, He'd judge us on our same ground.
His Mother was human and not a God. When we pray to Her, She knows our feelings because She has gone through some of the worst emotions any human being could experience like watching your son beaten to death and then crucified.
Think of that Manuel!!
Joe Zammit
May 18th 2010, 12:41
It is one thing to judge and another to correct. Christ prohibited us from judging others, but ORDERED us to correct others, to correct those who fall in sin. And woe to us if we do not correct those who live in sin! We must call a sin, sin, and virtue, virtue.
Christ himself corrected those who sinned and commanded them (not advised them!) to sin no more. It is our duty, if we love God, to be interested in the spiritual life of others because those others are our brethren as well and we don't want them to end up in their eternal damnation. Only the devil suggests to let others live in sin because he hates them.
Leo Bartolo
May 18th 2010, 12:28
You know what Mr Vella, I was disgusted when I read you hypocritical and unemotional letter. Who are you to cite chapter and verse from the Bible and cry out loud that Holy Communion must be denied to genuine and loving cohabitating couples. Do you know anything about the cohabitating couples in Malta?
Let us take an example. A woman happened to be a victim of exxcessive domestic violence up to a point that she had to leave and legally seperate from her Catholic husband. Eventually she meets a man who loves her, respectsher and adores her. Her life turned from hell on earth to bliss. Unfortunately the couple cannot marry so they decide to live together in a happy and loving union.
Then Mr Vella comes along and screams that this lady and her partner shoud not receive Holy Communion. Anyway, what is important is that Jesus Christ entered their house and lives among them because where there is love there one finds Jesus Christ
M. Cardona
May 18th 2010, 12:11
Thanks for further reinforcing the reasons why I don't believe in the MALTESE catholic church anymore. Enjoy your venom and account for it SUR QADDIS!
Jason Borg
May 18th 2010, 12:21
Mr. Cardona - Mr. Vella's letter may be a bit blunt, but it is the truth. Now if you don't agree with the Church's doctrine, you have every right not to belong to it. But don't expect things to change just because you disagree with them.
renald williams
May 18th 2010, 12:03
peace and health wishes...
to the Sammaritan woman who had many men (John 4:10-onwards)
Jesus promised litteral? water and did not give her any! Was he lying?
No! He was talking figuratively about the Holy Spirit! (John 7:37-onwards)
Jesus talked spiritually not litteraly…
Jien hu l-bieb. John 10:7. …not a wood-or-aluminium door
Jiena hu d-dawl. John 8:12. …not a torch-or-lamp
Jien hu r-raghaj it-tajjeb, u naghraf in-nghag. John 10:14.
…not us being litteral sheep, going on all fours , saying beq-beq, and eating grass
Jiena hu l-qawmien, u l-hajja. John 11:25…not that we do not die physically
Jiena t-triq, u s-sewwa, u l-hajja. John 14:6…. not an asphalt-or-tarmac road
Jiena d-dielja, intom iz-zragen. John 15:5…. not us being crops-or-fruits
Jiena hu l-hobz tal-hajja; min jigi ghandi ma jiehdu guh qatt;
u min jemmen fija ma jiehdu ghatx qatt…
Min jemmen fija ghandu l-hajja ta’ dejjem…
Hu l-Ispirtu li jaghti l-hajja: il-gisem ma jiswa xejn: il-kliem li nghidilkom huma spirtu u hajja… Mulej… Int ghandek il-kliem tal-hajja ta’ dejjem. John 6:35, 47, 55, 63, 68. …
Jason Borg
May 18th 2010, 12:18
Any chance of telling us the religion you belong to, Mr. Williams?
Joe Xuereb
May 18th 2010, 12:00
@ Steve Scerri. Believe me there are worse things than being unable (ignorant, your word) to quote bibles chapter and verse. Believe me, I would rather listen to an 'ignorant' than to someone who does nothing but quote, quote, quote. As if the holy book were super-glued to their sweaty palms, even as they sit on the 'throne'. And you know what, they do not refer to the index to make their quotes. They actually know them by heart now - an incredible feat of memory. Which is admirable. But they need to get a life, they really do.
Robert Grima
May 18th 2010, 11:54
The following is a link to a letter from the Vatican and NOT my words.
Especially point number 6.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_14091994_rec-holy-comm-by-divorced_en.html
I think that people should read this document before posting more comments.....
D. Scerri
May 18th 2010, 12:40
Easy enough: Dump the Iron Age superstition and start living in the 21st century. You don't need to live your life under constant belittlement by nosey and repressed leaders of a belief system that really should be setting a better example to their subscribers.
"Behold, the magical tooth-fairy who will grant you a gazillion wishes (in the next life) if you give all your money to the Church Alliance Spiritual Hope. Or just make cheques payable to C.A.S.H."
A fool and his money are soon parted. Roll up, roll up...
Charles Sammut NY USA
May 18th 2010, 11:49
So not that long ago it was a mortal to eat meat on a Sunday. Unbaptised babies that passed were dispatched to Limbo and in the sixties it was a mortal sin to vote or to support and vote the MLP. Amazing how these sins are no longer around. Since hell is for eternity maybe some of these experts on the subject could inform us if those souls that went to hell because they ate meat on a Friday or supported the MLP then would still be rotting in hell or not. After all they claim to be experts.
Zak A.Portelli
May 18th 2010, 13:59
I will gladly answer you, and I am not an expert just a Catholic as every catholic should be, interested in their own faith. So regarding Meat, the abstinence rule was: Wednesday and Fridays... people who broke that fast were said to be committing a mortal sin, today the fast has been removed and people who eat meat on Wednesday and Friday no longer committing mortal sin. Who went to hell.. I don't know but what I do know is that it is no longer sinful. Voting for the Labor party in the 60's meant that you agreed with their agenda, their agenda was built on a "socialist" (communist) one. the Church has a long standing battle with communism which is the enemy, thus if you were Catholic how can you vote for a socialist party? It's either one or the other, today the socialist parties have changed and today socialism has drifted far from communism making them different but back then the words were different by ideals were identical.
Ramon Casha
May 18th 2010, 11:37
For what it's worth, in all of the Old and New Testament, there is not a single verse that states that sex is only acceptable within marriage. If you're going to preach your religion you ought to at least be familiar with your scriptures.
apgrech
May 18th 2010, 11:14
Emmanuel Vella stated: "...they are no doubt living in sin!"
You belong to the old generation Manwel and to those who were given the priviledge by St Peter to work as his personal assistants.
What about those who have a civil marriage and for some reason they cannot get a church marriage yet? How about some church authorities who fail to proceed with the annulment of a couple simply because they are too careless and irresponsible?
Don't judge Emmanuel. Some couples are being refused from living a peaceful life by people like you who label them that they are living in sin or the famous Maltese word "pogguti".
There are many couple who are married in church and they live a life of hell and there's no love between them at all and there are some "pogguti" who are an example of what couples' lives should be like.
Adrian Fabri
May 18th 2010, 11:12
Intom tghidu li inthom Kristjani!!!!!!!!!!!! Inthom Farizej.
Kellu ragun Fr. Dalli li jghid fil-progrmam li b din l-attitudni zgur li ma fhimtux il messag ta Kristu. Messag ta Mhabba,Toleranza u Mahfra.
Imma x mentalita marida li tridu tilhqu u tigudikaw salib haddiehor !!!!!!!.biex minghalikhom Kristu jaghmel xi preferenza maghkhom. Il-Knisja hi ta kulhadd u mhux xi 'exclusive club'
Spicca zmien ta l-Inkwizzizjoni.
Erfaw is salib taghkhom .....u irrealizaw li l hajja mhux perfetta.
punto e basta.
Joe Zammit
May 18th 2010, 11:08
Mr Vella, what you have said is correct. Cohabitation is a grave sin. But the Church tries to help sinners come out of their sinful life as far as possible. So what is the position with our Mother Catholic Church regarding cohabitants?
If the cohabitants have no children they should separate or get married if there are no impediments; otherwise they live in sin. If they have children and so it's not possible for them to separate, they can receive Holy Communion worthily if they abstain completely from any internal or external sexual acts and receive Holy Communion in a church where no one knows them so that they would not be of any scandal to anyone.
D. Scerri
May 18th 2010, 12:33
It's only a sin in *your* mind. Your beliefs. Leave others to live their lives as they wish.
To quote from your religious texts: Matthew 7:5.
Emmanuel Vella
May 18th 2010, 14:13
Thank you for your kind information, which I wholly agree with you. That should have been the clear answer, for the question asked on Xarabank. Contrary to what others might imagine, I am no saint myself, in fact I am a great sinner. And I would never be saved if it was not for the great love God have for me.
As for being judgmental and hypocrite, was John the Baptist a hypocrite and judgmental when he called on Herod to stay away from that woman, because she was not his wife. But somebody else's.
And finally about "he who have no sin, throw the first stone" Jesus told the adulterous woman " Go, your sins are forgiven! SIN NO MORE!
victor rodenas
May 18th 2010, 11:06
There will be a time when the Church will accept cohabiting people receiving Holy Communion .Also the use of contraceptives will be accepted by time.Priests will be allowed to marry too',the appostles were married.A future Pope will apologize,as usually happens, If those who evade income tax ,vat ,steal electricity and water,register to take benifits while they work clandestinally do not receive Holy Communion,then my openion is that very few people will be entitled to receive Holy Communion.After all who is just to receive Holy Communion..........NOBODY. except small children who are innocent.
Mike F Abbot
May 18th 2010, 12:58
true enough - except the church has a clause for small children who are born with original sin (a bonkers concept that all faithfully happily accept as 'normal') ... these little babies need saving right at birth... for doing exactly - nothing. Fire! Brimstone! You all all damned... run for the hills.
Joe Xuereb
May 18th 2010, 11:06
Wait a minute. So, a sinner goes to a man, ordained to give absolution and forgive errant ways on behalf of/through god. For me the problem is - what if this confessor in his turn, is a repeat sinner who confesses to another confessor who assures him that his guilty sinning is safe with him (the confessor). No, he won't spill the beans, he'll never let the cat out of the bag if nothing else because they both share the same delights. Keep it in the family, like. If I confess my sins (invariably repeat performances) to an errant confessor, one whose sins are kept well concealed, does my confessor's absolution cleanse me of my repeat performance sinful ways? Just food for thought Mr. Emmanuel V. Just take out a minute to ponder and it could turn your life around, for the better.
Reading this letter I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not revisiting Harry Potter in a dream.
STEVE SCERRI
May 18th 2010, 10:55
@ Emanuel Vella
Everybody can quote scripture and interpret them as he wishes. Scripture also says "Do not Judge for you will be judged ". Excuse my ignorance but i do not know the scripture quote from where it is written but I listen to it often in church talks on Sunday.
About the preaching of Fr George Dalli i suggest that you go to participate and listen to him at Attard Parish on Sunday.
M. Jones
May 18th 2010, 10:46
@Vella
You really must have a lot of time on your hands to write this drivel. I would suggest that you just keep your head down and carry on with your life, living it as peacefully and generously as possible, and let the rest carry on with theirs.
Derek Fenech
May 18th 2010, 10:18
"Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone" (John 8:7)
T Camilleri
May 18th 2010, 10:56
You beat me to it
John Ebejer
May 18th 2010, 10:18
What I have to say, applies to the contributions of the other two excellent Catholics that we have around us! Even Mr Vella appears to pride himself with professing to be a Catholic and respecting the Eucharist. So, imagine him during Mass, turning around to see who is present, and marking anyone who is cohabitating and going for the Eucharist, so that he start tsk-tsk-ing to himself with disgust! And you, the three of you, want to preclude others - whatever their lifestyle is! - from sharing the banquet! Hypocrites, the whole lot of you! And I am not a cohbitant! So there! Hypocrites! And nothing better.
Please choose the reason of your report below: