Receiving the Eucharist as a sinner

[nibbuls]

I know I’m wrong, but I want to understand why… and I thank everyone in advance for responding.

I’m wondering why it is wrong to receive communion after committing a mortal sin if you sincerely are sorry for the sin and make an act of contrition (and promise God that you’ll go to confession and follow through with the penance at the earliest opportunity).

My reasoning is that Christ died for sinners–not sinners so long as they haven’t sinned too gravely since their last confession. During the consecration, the deacon or priest at my church says something along the lines of letting the blood of Christ wash away our sins. It sounds like communion has some healing/redemptive power.

I’m still very ignorant concerning the faith, but I’m starting my search

 

[puzzleannie]

I My reasoning is that Christ died for sinners–not sinners so long as they haven’t sinned too gravely since their last confession. During the consecration, the deacon or priest at my church says something along the lines of letting the blood of Christ wash away our sins. It sounds like communion has some healing/redemptive power.

the deacon says nothing during the consecration, he has no part in it. The priest, according to which Eucharistic prayer he is using, says the words of consecration, including recalling Christ words at the Last Supper “This is the cup of my blood which will be shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.” We also pray “Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed” which removes all veniel sin.

analogy: a prescription for antibiotic from my doctor has the power to heal my infection, which has been separating me from those I love (because I am contagious) and from my work and life (because I am sick). How to I obtain the drug? I have to see my doctor and ask for it, and be diagnosed so the proper drug can be prescribed, and then go to the drugstore and buy it. Okay, what else? I have to take the drug as directed, and do whatever other measures the doctor prescribes for my healing. ONly then can I be restored to my family, work and community whole and healthy.

Yes the Eucharist has infinite healing and redemptive power and is the source of all sacramental grace, including the grace of the sacrament of confession. That grace is available through the means established by Christ, the sacramental economy. Our personal participation in the grace of that forgiveness is through the sacrament of confession. As long as we remain in a state of mortal sin, willingly separating ourselves from communion with Christ and therefore with His Body, the Church we cannot receive communion, because we must first be restored to communion through sacramental confession with absolution.

 

[Newbie2]

It’s kinda like putting your most precious posession in a filthy container. Get it clean first, then it’s good to use.

Mortal sin separates us from God. It’s proper to get right with him before receiving him.

 

[teachccd]

I know I’m wrong, but I want to understand why… and I thank everyone in advance for responding.

I’m wondering why it is wrong to receive communion after committing a mortal sin if you sincerely are sorry for the sin and make an act of contrition (and promise God that you’ll go to confession and follow through with the penance at the earliest opportunity).

My reasoning is that Christ died for sinners–not sinners so long as they haven’t sinned too gravely since their last confession. During the consecration, the deacon or priest at my church says something along the lines of letting the blood of Christ wash away our sins. It sounds like communion has some healing/redemptive power.

I’m still very ignorant concerning the faith, but I’m starting my search

First off, you are not ignorant. You just need information.

Now, your question regards the definition of Mortal sin. When one sins mortally he/she literally separates themselves from God. There is no relationship. While in that state, to receive the Eucharist is contrary to your relationship with God. This must first be reconciled.

Now there are a couple of ways to do this. Making a perfect Act of Contrition will remove mortal sin. This is difficult in that the contrition must be solely for the love of God and not because one fears hell or punishment. Without absolution one cannot know if their contrition was perfect. One must also resolve to go to Confession as soon as possible.

The recommended way and the way Christ intends (See John 20:19-23) is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We not only reconcile with God but also with the community that we also offended. No sins are of private matter. When one sins against God one also sins against the community. Once the priest says the prayer of absolution then and only then can you be sure that your sins are forgiven. You are now free to receive the Eucharist.

This is all done in context of what Christ did for us on the Cross. Without that sacrificial act, none of this would be possible. In order to be disciples of Christ and receive Him in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar we must first be united with Him in the Sanctifying Grace that we received at our baptism.

Because of the sacrificial nature of the Mass, any venial sins can be forgiven within the context of the liturgy and one is fit for the Eucharist. Mortal sin is deadly sin and one who is spiritually dead cannot receive the effects of the Bread of Life.

There is so much more. I would advise that you meet with a priest. Conversation can be so much more relative than me typing on a keyboard but I hope this helps somewhat…teachccd

 

[baltobetsy]

Both mortal sin and original sin render a soul spiritually dead. The two “sacraments of the dead,” Baptism and Penance (Reconciliation, Confession), raise the soul to life, Baptism for the first time and Penance after mortal sin.

The Holy Eucharist is a “sacrament of the living.” It is spiritual food for the living soul. Just as a dead body is incapable of profiting from food, being unable to digest or even taste it, so a dead soul cannot benefit from the Eucharist. In fact, it is another mortal sin of sacrilege to receive the Holy Eucharist in a state of mortal sin.

On the other hand, the Eucharist does indeed cleanse the soul of venial sin, so you are partially right to understand that some sin is healed by receiving. Venial sin, however, does not kill, and requires only healing, not being brought back from the dead, as mortal sin does. The Eucharist heals, but does not bring back from the dead.

Betsy

 

[nibbuls]

Thanks, all, for the speedy and insightful replies! I really appreciate it.

(I meant to say that the words concerning the healing power of the Eucharist were explained before the consecration, not during. )

 

[BobP123]

St. Paul tells us that one must be worthy of receiving Communion. The Church tells us how to do it. Venial sin, ok; mortal sin, you need confession first.

Why is it that some cultures don’t believe there is such a thing as mortal sin?