After a year of dealing with many different Protestants on various theological items, some things become apparent.
1. Protestants are usually familiar with some of the 300 prophecies that God provided the prophets about Jesus. They realize that such prophecies could not have been the result of accident. Many say, with enthusiasm, “I believe in Jesus.”
2. When asked: “Should Jesus be obeyed?”, they respond affirmatively.
3. A further inquiry: “Do you believe Jesus was right when He said ‘If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood, you do not have life in you.’?” For some, it is an overlooked passage, never fully considered.
4. Then: “Jesus also said to Peter, “Thou art Peter, and on this rock, I build My Church.” That Church has provided His Body and Blood to believers since The Last Supper. Can we be more fully obedient by striving to worthily receive Catholic Communion? Is there any other way to have what Jesus said we needed to have life in us?
5. The person being questioned has two choices. Some will eventually become Catholic. Others will find it too difficult to move in that direction. Many to whom Jesus spoke those words abandoned Him while His true disciples remained faithful. Is it wise to put ourselves among those driven away from Jesus by His clear, direct words, “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood, you do not have life in you.”
6. Sometimes, those who hear change the subject. Some get surprisingly angry and avoid continuing the conversation.
Should we stop talking about the need to have life in us? Do we stop reminding that Jesus, Fulfillment of The Prophets, gave a clear, simple instruction: “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood, you do not have life in you?”
Do we “agree to disagree”? Or, do we ask for the courage to remain firm? The human mind is programmed with a healthy respect for truth. That truth may lead a mind to greater truth, despite earthly attachments.
The entire Creation Program was downloaded with one purpose: to let His humble, obedient sheep find eternal joy. We must accept the insults while gratefully continuing with the most important work there is: encouraging neighbors to have life in them the only way Jesus said it could happen, in the only Church He personally founded.
It is not always easy. It is never without reward.
