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Complicated Question from 4 year old

So, we attend mass regularly and I have tried to explain to my 4 year old that the Eucharist is really the Body and Blood of Jesus. I guess I must have also explained that we go to heaven because we eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus.

So, when my cousin was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, we attended his funeral and I tried to explain the best that I could that he was in heaven, and God calls us to heaven when He is ready.

So, the past couple of weeks after mass, my 4 year old has asked me, "Mommy, what happens if we don't eat the body of Christ?" I think in her mind she is thinking that what happens if I die and I haven't eaten the body of Christ? I don't really know how to answer that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Peace and Blessings!

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Permalink Reply by Lucy Sheahan on February 7, 2010 at 4:57pm

We explained to our kids that when they die they can go to one of three places: Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. Heaven is for those who lived a saintly life, Hell is for those who committed really bad sins (mortal sins) without going to confession, and purgatory is for those who committed small sins (venial sins) and will have to wait a while to get in to Heaven while they get cleaned up. That's why we pray for the souls in Purgatory.

We also told them that there are three ways a person can get into Heaven: Baptism by water, baptism by blood (martydom or dying for Jesus) and baptism by desire (if you never knew Jesus but lived you life as if you did, because you only wanted what's good). Then we explained that we receive Jesus in the Holy Eurcharist as often as we can, because it's like vitamins which make our soul strong against sin, just like vitamins make our bodies strong against disease. We want to be strong against sin because if you are baptised, sin is the only thing which can keep you from going to Heaven.

Mary Reed Newland wrote in We and Our Family a great way to teach your kids about venial and mortal sin which we also used. Water is pure and clear like a soul in a state of grace and light can shine right through like God's love into your soul. Tea is like a soul with venial sin because it's dim, but the light can still come through, and the person should go to confession to make it clear again. Coffee is like a soul with mortal sin because it's dark and no light can come through, just as God's love can't come in. This person needs to get to confession quick! (Now my kids tease me when I drink coffee that I'd better go to confession!:p

Also, we always pray for the soldiers at war, but I remind my kids that Jesus said that no greater love has man than he who lays down his life for his friends.

The church says that the "Age of Reason" is seven, but as Patricia said, I think kids can start to understand very early. At least it's a foundation which will be added to over time.

Looks like you've made a great start!

In Christ,
Lucy
www.mysticalrosedesign.com