If there is no opportunity to confess, should I communicate?

[SpiritFire]

I went with my family on a trip this weekend. We attended Mass, and I had decided not to communicate because I felt a need for sacramental confession. Since there was no such opportunity, I did not communicate. Should I have? (i.e. with an act of contrition or something beforehand) or did I do the right thing, since “If one is mindful of a grevious sin, he should not receive communion”?

Any help or thoughts are appreciated!

 

[ConstantineTG]

No you shouldn’t have. I think the only time that you really have to receive is if its already Pentecost Sunday and you haven’t received since Easter. Since the Church obliges us to received once during the Easter season. Or if there is danger of death. Otherwise, we don’t really have to and we can wait until confession.

 

[SpiritFire]

Thanks for the answer! One more thing: What about the fact that Jesus came to call and to die for sinners, and that we can’t and don’t have to be perfect before coming to him? Because “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (St. Paul)
How does this relate to communion?

 

[ConstantineTG]

Thanks for the answer! One more thing: What about the fact that Jesus came to call and to die for sinners, and that we can’t and don’t have to be perfect before coming to him? Because “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (St. Paul)
How does this relate to communion?

I think one mistake many people make is applying all teachings to the Eucharist. There are 6 other Sacraments that has a purpose as well to bring us closer to Christ. Communion is already becoming one with Christ (thus the term) so therefore we should be Christ-like, which is we have unloaded the baggage of mortal sin through repentance. That is why there is Confession. There is Baptism that brings us into God’s company as His adoptive children. Confirmation fills us with the Holy Spirit and seals us. Confession cleanses us of our sins. Anointing heals us body and soul. Holy Orders and Matrimony enters us into vocations which build God’s kingdom, through His priestly ministry or through building families. And of course Communion which joins us into the one Body of Christ.

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

You have to be perfect to enter Heaven. Purgatory exists to cleanse the stain of sin from your soul. After a proper Confession your sins are forgiven but the stain remains.