The central problem of the Church today is that most of the generation now becoming adults simply do not know Jesus Christ.
"We do," said John.
"Your Church teaches that he is really present there, yes? That what's there is the man who was God?"
"Yes. The formula is 'Body and blood, soul and divinity.'"
"And you believe that?"
"Yes."
Isa made as if to say something, but stifled it. John assured him he would not be offended.
Finally, reluctantly, Isa said, "I don't understand."
"I understand how you feel. It sounds very shocking."
"No, you don't understand. That's not what I mean. You will take it as an insult, but I don't mean it to be."
"I promise I won't take it as an insult. But I really want to know what's on your mind."
"Well then. . . . I don't think you really do believe that. I don't mean to say you're dishonest, but . . . ."
"I think I know what you mean. You can't empathize with anyone who believes something so shocking. You don't see how you could ever get down on your knees before that altar."
"No, I don't see how I could ever get up. If I believed that thing that looks like a little round piece of bread was really Allah Himself, I think I would just faint. I would fall at His feet like a dead man."
John looked carefully at my reaction as he reported Isa's words. My eyes opened, and he smiled. "What did you say to him?" I asked.
"Nothing. Then, after a while, just 'Yes.'"
John is a wise man.
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