actually, Catholics believe that Communion is literally the body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest presiding over the service. as you know, this is what we are taught since first holy communion. The Eucharist is a holy sacrament administered by the church to members who have carefully prepared themselves through sacraments of baptism and confession, and also education. For Catholics, communion isn't just a symbol. It is a holy sacrament taken very seriously, and this is the reason communion isn't offered to visitors/guests. I totally understand and respect this about the Church. Communion is not inclusive or exclusive. It is the foundation of the Church and its members share common beliefs about the sacrament/miracle of the Eucharist, and its importance in their lives. It is a defining element of Catholicism.
I also understand that visitors/guests may not understand the reasons they are not invited to receive communion - and they may feel excluded, even though the mass includes a general statement about all being welcome, but only Catholics who are prepared are invited to receive the Eucharist
it is made even more confusing because many Priests I have known are relaxed about administering communion, and have no problem with administering communion to a visitor/guest.
many Catholics I know would never receive communion themselves unless they have recently received the sacrament of confession. we are taught that we need to receive the eucharist only after we have wiped our sins away with confession. This part is going to far for me, since I never ever go to confession (it used to scare the hail out of me when I was little). But, a certain family priest says this is okay for various reasons.
So, we all kind of pick and choose what works for us. which is what you are doing in your analogies Geo. and you are right. whatever you believe in your heart is right, imo.
