Preparation before Holy Communion

[JacktheCatholic]

Dear Spiritman,

Well, you may be correct, but not one of the Orthodox Fathers has it the way you have. Of course, it may be that those who spole Greek and lived in a Greek culture knew less about when a metaphor existed than someone whose language is English and whose culture is that of the twenty first century. But until you show me an Orthodox Father who wrote as you write, I shall stick with what the Church has taught, not some latter-day man made doctrine.

peace,

Anglian

You and I both know that there are no writings before the 15th century to support his claim.

Peace,

Jack

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

You and I both know that there are no writings before the 15th century to support his claim.

Peace,

Jack

Greetings. We could use some help over here by some Spirit led Christians [if you dare ]

http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?t=7304422
The Non Christian Views of Paul?

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Neither the Baptism of John the Baptist nor this strange Communion were ever taught by Christ.

Christ taught Spirit, he did not teach flesh.

Prove me wrong if I am really wrong peoples.

Sidebar:



What is Christ God teaching by example here?

(Mt.3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)

Mat 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mar 1:9-11 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Forgive me...

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Would we seperate Christ's spirit from his flesh?

Christ is both 100% Man and 100% God.

Orthodox Christianity 101.

Forgive me...

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

For the Orthodox Christian... approaching The Eucharistic Cup un-baptized would constitute coming to communion unprepared.

Forgive me...

 

[spiritman]

Dear Spiritman,

Well, you may be correct, but not one of the Orthodox Fathers has it the way you have. Of course, it may be that those who spole Greek and lived in a Greek culture knew less about when a metaphor existed than someone whose language is English and whose culture is that of the twenty first century. But until you show me an Orthodox Father who wrote as you write, I shall stick with what the Church has taught, not some latter-day man made doctrine.

peace,

Anglian

Dear Anglian,

They may not have used the word "metaphor" but those that believed understood the illustrations given by Jesus. Jesus referred to them as parables.

3850 parabolh parabole par-ab-ol-ay'
from 3846; TDNT-5:744,773; n f
AV-parable 46, figure 2, comparison 1, proverb 1; 50
1) a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle
2) metaph.
2a) a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude
2b) an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated
2c) a narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws and usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature and history of God's kingdom are figuratively portrayed
2d) a parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning
3) a pithy and instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison and having preceptive or admonitory force
3a) an aphorism, a maxim
4) a proverb
5) an act by which one exposes himself or his possessions to danger, a venture, a risk

Jesus used language that everyone could understand in that day and even in our day. He explained spiritual truths by comparing it with the natural. Like farming, cooking, etc.

But the spiritual truths would not be understood by all.

Mt 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

But those that believe and know Christ/Truth will see, hear, and know.

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

 

[Anglian]

Dear Spiritman,

No one doubts that our Lord spoke in parables and used metaphors from time to time. My point remains that no Orthodox Father in the first millennium of the Faith took the view you take. I'll stick with the universal Tradition of the Church over your more recent view.

peace,

Anglian

 

[spiritman]

Dear Spiritman,

No one doubts that our Lord spoke in parables and used metaphors from time to time. My point remains that no Orthodox Father in the first millennium of the Faith took the view you take. I'll stick with the universal Tradition of the Church over your more recent view.

peace,

Anglian

Dear Anglian,

What is an "orthodox father"? Who were they?

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Dear Anglian,

What is an "orthodox father"? Who were they?

http://www.ccel.org/fathers.html

Forgive me...

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Do you tell them they must be born again or they will not enter the Kingdom of God? Or do you tell them something else?

Sorry... I got sidetracked, and I owe you a couple of replies.

The "born again experience" is not taught in any of The Ancient Churches as something necessary for salvation. That is not to say we are not aware of the awe that strikes when one finds himself in the presence of God.

As a point to ponder... Think of an infant who being raised in The Church from the very begining, who has experienced the joy and wonders of Christ from day one. When or what expereince would we expect to label as "the one"?

My first Pascha experience was equal to my experience as a 12 year old Southern Baptist boy... God was there and I was in his presence.

Forgive me...

 

[Hagios17]

Sidebar:

What is Christ God teaching by example here?

(Mt.3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)

Mat 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mar 1:9-11 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Forgive me...

Essentially what you're saying here is borderline "Christ did it, therefore I must do it too." ?

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

Dear Anglian,

What is an "orthodox father"? Who were they?

They are Bishops who early in the Church's History helped establish doctrine and preach the word of Christ. Names include (but are not limited to) St. Basil the Great, St. John Chrysostom, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. Spyridon of Trimythous, St. Nicholas of Myra (the real Santa Claus!!!) and many, many others.

Most fundamental beliefs that we take for granted today were established and fought for against heresy by these men.

For your own edification, I strongly encourage you to read their writings.

 

[spiritman]

http://www.ccel.org/fathers.html

Forgive me...

Thanks for the link. Do you by chance have any quotes from the "orthodox fathers" regarding communion that would support your position.

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

Essentially what you're saying here is borderline "Christ did it, therefore I must do it too." ?

Well since we are called to be "Christ-like," I would have to answer with a resounding YES!

There is overwhelming scriptural evidence of both baptism and communion. One just has to read the Bible to see it:

Baptism:

• "This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:2-6 (emphasis added)
• "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." Matthew 28:19-20 (emphasis added)
• "And He said to her, “What do you wish?”
  She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
  They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” Matthew 20:21-23
• "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:3-7
• "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6

Communion:

• "Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:53-58
• "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and bloodof the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:23-28
• "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:19-20
• "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:22-25

So how can you say that Jesus never told us to do these things, when clearly He has?

 

[Rhamiel]

handmaidenofGod

St. Nicholas of Myra (the real Santa Claus!!!)

he punched Arius in the mouth.

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

Thanks for the link. Do you by chance have any quotes from the "orthodox fathers" regarding communion that would support your position.

Sure do!


St. Justin Martyr was born a pagan but converted to Christianity after studying philosophy. He was a prolific writer and many Church scholars consider him the greatest apologist or defender of the faith from the 2nd century. He was beheaded with six of his companions some time between 163 and 167 A.D.

"This food we call the Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes that the things we teach are true, and has received the washing for forgiveness of sins and for rebirth, and who lives as Christ handed down to us. For we do not receive these things as common bread or common drink; but as Jesus Christ our Savior being incarnate by God's Word took flesh and blood for our salvation, so also we have been taught that the food consecrated by the Word of prayer which comes from him, from which our flesh and blood are nourished by transformation, is the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus."

"First Apology", Ch. 66, inter A.D. 148-155.
​

St. Irenaeus succeeded St. Pothinus to become the second bishop of Lyons in 177 A.D. Earlier in his life he studied under St. Polycarp. Considered, one of the greatest theologians of the 2nd century, St. Irenaeus is best known for refuting the Gnostic heresies.

[Christ] has declared the cup, a part of creation, to be his own Blood, from which he causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, he has established as his own Body, from which he gives increase to our bodies."
Source: St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, 180 A.D.:

"So then, if the mixed cup and the manufactured bread receive the Word of God and become the Eucharist, that is to say, the Blood and Body of Christ, which fortify and build up the substance of our flesh, how can these people claim that the flesh is incapable of receiving God's gift of eternal life, when it is nourished by Christ's Blood and Body and is His member? As the blessed apostle says in his letter to the Ephesians, 'For we are members of His Body, of His flesh and of His bones' (Eph. 5:30). He is not talking about some kind of 'spiritual' and 'invisible' man, 'for a spirit does not have flesh an bones' (Lk. 24:39). No, he is talking of the organism possessed by a real human being, composed of flesh and nerves and bones. It is this which is nourished by the cup which is His Blood, and is fortified by the bread which is His Body. The stem of the vine takes root in the earth and eventually bears fruit, and 'the grain of wheat falls into the earth' (Jn. 12:24), dissolves, rises again, multiplied by the all-containing Spirit of God, and finally after skilled processing, is put to human use. These two then receive the Word of God and become the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ."
-"Five Books on the Unmasking and Refutation of the Falsely
Named Gnosis". Book 5:2, 2-3, circa 180 A.D.

"For just as the bread which comes from the earth, having received the invocation of God, is no longer ordinary bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly, so our bodies, having received the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, because they have the hope of the resurrection."

-"Five Books on the Unmasking and Refutation of the Falsely named Gnosis". Book 4:18 4-5, circa 180 A.D.
​

St. Clement of Alexandria studied under Pantaenus. He later succeeded him as the director of the school of catechumens in Alexandria, Egypt around the year 200 A.D.,

"The Blood of the Lord, indeed, is twofold. There is His corporeal Blood, by which we are redeemed from corruption; and His spiritual Blood, that with which we are anointed. That is to say, to drink the Blood of Jesus is to share in His immortality. The strength of the Word is the Spirit just as the blood is the strength of the body. Similarly, as wine is blended with water, so is the Spirit with man. The one, the Watered Wine, nourishes in faith, while the other, the Spirit, leads us on to immortality. The union of both, however, - of the drink and of the Word, - is called the Eucharist, a praiseworthy and excellent gift. Those who partake of it in faith are sanctified in body and in soul. By the will of the Father, the divine mixture, man, is mystically united to the Spirit and to the Word.",

-"The Instructor of the Children". [2,2,19,4] ante 202 A.D.,
​

St. Basil is recognized as the founder of Eastern monasticism. He was ordained Bishop of Caesarea in 370 A.D. He defended the Catholic Church against two waves of Arian attacks. The first movement denied the divinity of Christ. The second denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit. He is considered one of the greatest saints of the Oriental Church.
​

"He, therefore, who approaches the Body and Blood of Christ in commemoration of Him who died for us and rose again must be free not only from defilement of flesh and spirit, in order that he may not eat drink unto judgement, but he must actively manifest the remembrance of Him who died for us and rose again, by being dead to sin, to the world, and to himself, and alive unto God in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

-"Concerning Baptism" Book I, Ch. 3. ​

​

From 386-397 A.D. St. John Chrysostom served as a priest in the main church of Antioch. He soon became renown for his preaching and writing skills. In 397 A.D. he succeeded St. Gregory of Nazianz as Bishop of Constantinople.

"When the word says, 'This is My Body,' be convinced of it and believe it, and look at it with the eyes of the mind. For Christ did not give us something tangible, but even in His tangible things all is intellectual. So too with Baptism: the gift is bestowed through what is a tangible thing, water; but what is accomplished is intellectually perceived: the birth and the renewal. If you were incorporeal He would have given you those incorporeal gifts naked; but since the soul is intertwined with the body, He hands over to you in tangible things that which is perceived intellectually. How many now say, 'I wish I could see His shape, His appearance, His garments, His sandals.' Only look! You see Him! You touch Him! You eat Him!"
-"Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew" [82,4] 370 A.D.

"I wish to add something that is plainly awe-inspiring, but do not be astonished or upset. This Sacrifice, no matter who offers it, be it Peter or Paul, is always the same as that which Christ gave His disciples and which priests now offer: The offering of today is in no way inferior to that which Christ offered, because it is not men who sanctify the offering of today; it is the same Christ who sanctified His own. For just as the words which God spoke are the very same as those which the priest now speaks, so too the oblation is the very same."
Source: St. John Chrysostom, "Homilies on the Second Epistle to Timothy," 2,4, c. 397 A.D.

"It is not the power of man which makes what is put before us the Body and Blood of Christ, but the power of Christ Himself who was crucified for us. The priest standing there in the place of Christ says these words but their power and grace are from God. 'This is My Body,' he says, and these words transform what lies before him."
Source: St. John Chrysostom, "Homilies on the Treachery of Judas" 1,6; d. 407 A.D.:

"'The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not communion of the Blood of Christ?' Very trustworthily and awesomely does he say it. For what he is saying is this: 'What is in the cup is that which flowed from His side, and we partake of it.' He called it a cup of blessing because when we hold it in our hands that is how we praise Him in song, wondering and astonished at His indescribable Gift, blessing Him because of His having poured out this very Gift so that we might not remain in error, and not only for His having poured out It out, but also for His sharing It with all of us."

-"Homilies on the First Letter to the Corinthians" [24,1] ca. 392 A.D. ​

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

handmaidenofGod
he punched Arius in the mouth.

Which makes him that much cooler!! lol

In all seriousness though, he did repent for his sin. And I mean, Arius was promoting heresy, I could see why St. Nicholas would get worked up over it.

 

[Anglian]

Dear HandmaidenofGod,

Thank you for those excellent examples from the early Fathers; in a sense you have kindly anticipated my answer to Spiritman's question.

I would add to your list this from St. Cyril of Jerusalem's 23rd Catechetical Lecture:

21. In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King . And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it; giving heed lest you lose any portion thereof ; for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members. For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from you of what is more precious than gold and precious stones?
22. Then after you have partaken of the Body of Christ, draw near also to the Cup of His Blood; not stretching forth your hands, but bending , and saying with an air of worship and reverence, Amen , hallow yourself by partaking also of the Blood of Christ. And while the moisture is still upon your lips, touch it with your hands, and hallow your eyes and brow and the other organs of sense . Then wait for the prayer, and give thanks unto God, who has accounted you worthy of so great mysteries .

St. Cyril's lectures are the oldest surviving complete record of how the early Church prepared catechumens for their reception into the Faith. There are no signs that anything he wrote was regarded in any way as novel, and therefore his lectures are regarded as representing the way this task had been carried on for some time in the very city where Our Lord had held the Last Supper with His disciples.

peace,

Anglian

 

[Anglian]

Dear Anglian,

What is an "orthodox father"? Who were they?

Dear Spiritman,

Our sister in Christ, HandmaidenofGod, has kindly answered the question you posed.

My own, Coptic Orthodox Church, tends to use the phrase 'Orthodox fathers' rather than the more common term in the West, which is 'Early Church Fathers'. These are collections of writings preserved by Christians from the first century onward which provide us with insights into the life and thinking of the early Church. They are freely available on the Web here:
http://www.ccel.org/fathers.html

In many senses it is a shame that those in the West who came to reform the Church did not know more of their writings.

Some, like our dear brother in Christ, LLOJ, have not read them and do not have the time for they are busy reading the inspired word of God; but for many of us, they remain what they have been for nearly two thousand years, a very special insight into how those who first received the Faith understood and practised it.

peace,

Anglian

 

[Hagios17]

Well since we are called to be "Christ-like," I would have to answer with a resounding YES!

Christ was also circumcised (being a Jew).

Is your answer still a resounding YES, or maybe a resounding NO?

There is overwhelming scriptural evidence of both baptism and communion. One just has to read the Bible to see it:

Baptism:
"This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:2-6 (emphasis added)

You need to read before you quote friend. This passage of scripture has absolutely nothing to do with the baptism of John the Baptist. It has to do with the baptism of his mother's whom as of both Christ's and Nicodemus' mouth.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." Matthew 28:19-20 (emphasis added)

No actual reference to John the Baptist's baptism.

"And He said to her, “What do you wish?”
She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” Matthew 20:21-23

Again, no reference.

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:3-7

Again, no reference.

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6

Again, no reference, but my eggs are definately in Jesus Christ's basket not John the Baptist's.

Communion:
"Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:53-58

Hmmm.

"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

It would be silly of me to ask if you saw the metaphor yes?

"And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:19-20

Again, it would be silly?

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:22-25
So how can you say that Jesus never told us to do these things, when clearly He has?

Clearly? Sorry, but the only clear thing about what you're saying is that its clearly unclear. You've made no reference to John the Baptist's baptism. And as far as I see it, those passages on communion are a blatant metaphor.