Is not recieveing communion a sin?

[LovinmyLife]

Today, before Mass, I realized I had broken the 1 hour fast before Communion, so I refrained from receiving.

My brother noticed and got very upset with me, saying I wasn’t honoring the Sabbath by not taking Communion, and it was a sin not to. I am fairly certain that he is mistaken. How do I explain to him that receiving Communion when you shouldn’t (such as breaking the fast or when not in a state of grace) isn’t a sin, let alone the mortal sin he seems to think it is.

Also, how do I explain that honoring the Sabbath does not just mean receiving Communion? Thank you.

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

LovinmyLife,

The following links should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on honoring the Sabbath Day and fasting prior to receiving the Eucharist. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.**

Recommended Reading**:

• [ Is the fast, 1 hour before Mass begins, or before Holy Communion? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=139978)
• [ Is coffee permitted before Mass? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=61838)
• [Does chewing gum break the Communion fast? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=141897)
• [Can I shop on Sunday? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=15735)