How do I cope with scrupulosity and the Eucharist?

[fencersmother]

How can a person actually know if s/he is in a state of grace? If there is doubt about grace or sin, even after recent confession, how can a person in all good conscience receive the Eucharist?

I have been told by some priests to receive the Eucharist unless I am aware of a mortal sin on my soul, and told by some other priests NOT to receive if there is doubt.

Due to a scrupulous nature, I have been staying away from the Eucharist unless I am absolutely sure I have not sinned since my last confession. As you can imagine, Eucharist isn’t happening as often as confession.

Thank you.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Unfortunately, many priests do not understand the cross of scruples-which is a form of obsessive compulsive behavior. People with scruples cannot cope with mentally going over past sinful behavior. They become trapped in a cycle of fear, going over past confusion and an inability to form a final conclusion. So unless you are SURE of having committed a mortal sin, your conscience is clear. Receive the Lord in Holy Communion. Allow the LORD to be you savior. The Eucharist is not a reward. If it were, no one would be worthy of it. Don’t try to be your own savior. Trusting Him is a way of loving Him. Feel free to contact me privately by clicking on my name above.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.