Thursday, December 11, 2008

question about Holy Communion.


Sometimes you receive different questions in a day they might not all relate to what you are talking about but it is always good to know the answers to these.

So I just received this one. Where can I get information on what happens if you receive Holy Communion in sin?As an unbeliever receiving. Is it addressed in the Bible?


To receive Holy Communion in mortal sin or as an unbeliever is a Sacrilege. So it is a grave sin. Paragraph 1395 in the Catechism states "The Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church."
Paragraph 1457 states " Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession."

So turning to the Bible we see.
1 Cor 11:26 - 30 " For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died."
Clearly St. Paul is giving us a warning. The Church Fathers speak on this and the importance of being in a worthy state to receive communion.

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