Why must I wait until the end of RCIA for the Eucharist?

[Brenda_Baugh]

Hi,
My husband and I are converting and we started classes on Thursday. We have been to mass 3 times and have taken communion. We have taken communion since 1993 when we both accepted Christ. I already feel that God has called me to this church and I need to learn to accept the authority of the church. A lesson in humility and pride is happening and I for some reason I am fighting this a little internally. Maybe it would help if I knew why I shouldn’t take communion until the completion on these classes on Easter. The Priest at the church said as the classes go along I would understand, but clearly I would like to know now.
thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

First of all we don’t “take” Communion. We “receive” it. This is not nit-picking. The Eucharist is a gift and one that no one of himself is entitled to—ever. It is only by the Lord’s initiative and generosity that anyone may receive it. Our Lord gave the responsibility for the reverent administration of this holiest of sacraments to His Apostles and to their successors. The Church is careful to remind us that to receive this sacrament in the state of mortal sin is itself a mortal sin. It is first necessary to by purified of such sin through the sacrament of Penance or Confession as it is more commonly called. St. Paul in Corinthians 11: 26-30 warns against receiving the Eucharist unworthily.

It is first necessary to fully understand the Eucharist as that Catholic Church understands it. Also, the Eucharist is a sign of our complete unity in Christ. You may “feel” one with the Catholic Church, but you will not be completely one with it until you have made the public commitment to the Church to its satisfaction. You are in our prayers. The humble waiting and longing will make your entrance into the Church all the sweeter because it will of itself have been an act of love for Him.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.