Jesus’ words at The Last Supper were about as clear as they could be: the Disciples were given bread and wine and He told them at that First Mass: “The bread is My Body. The Wine is My Blood. Do this (transform bread and wine into His Body and Blood at every Mass presided over by an ordained priest in a living link with those Disciples) in memory of Me.”
Obedient Catholics have responded according to their station since then. Others have ignored His injunction, or twisted John 6:53 and similar passages from the Sixth Chapter of John that clearly say: “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood you do not have life in you.” John 6: 53 led up to what Jesus would provide, and authorize His Ordained Priests to provide atThe First Mass at The Last Supper.
Did Judas receive Jesus’ Body and Blood, the Consecrated Host, before, or after, going off to betray him? Matthew does not tell us specifically when Judas left. Mark is also vague. Luke tells us that Judas was there at the first Eucharist. According to John’s Gospel, Judas left after Jesus gave him a piece of dipped bread, but that seems to be before the Consecrated Host.
Does it make a difference if the first Protestant refused Communion at The Last Supper? It may make a difference to where his soul spends eternity. If, out of ignorance of the transformed Bread and Wine, He betrayed Jesus, that’s one crime.
It is a far greater crime to have betrayed Jesus after having received His Precious Body and Blood. What of those responsible for “look-like communion” ceremonies that pretend to provide The Body and Blood and do not? And, cannot. Isn’t that a type of “betrayal”?
Those who are not Catholic, especially those who have left The Church Jesus Founded, should ponder the Judas issue long and hard. While they have time. Eternal joy, or woe, await. It is one or the other.
As with every other concern, it is safest, and best, to be Catholic, striving to worthily receive The Sacraments.
