SACRAMENT MATTERS: A worthy Holy Communion
Dr Christine Wood, Director of the Office of Evangelisation & Catechesis
If you’ve wondered what the Eucharist is and why you don’t seem to be growing closer to God, you might like to consider what’s necessary for a worthy reception of Holy Communion. The spiritual fruits of Holy Communion only flow if we have the right dispositions.
Reception of Holy Communion is a sacred act, which requires prayerful preparation and thorough examination of our conscience. Without this, little if any spiritual fruits will flow, and we could even endanger our salvation.
First, we must have faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” Jesus’ presence is no mere symbol. Rather, the whole crucified and resurrected Christ is really present – body, blood, soul and divinity.
Second, we must be in the state of grace. If we are conscious of having committed grave sin, we may not receive the Eucharist until after going to confession. We must be reconciled with our brothers and sisters before approaching the altar of God. As the Catechism says, “To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ… we must be in a state of grace.”
St Catherine of Siena taught, “If you have the truth of the Eucharist in your heart, you will see how important it is to keep your soul free from sin in order to receive this Sacrament with reverence.”
Third, we must fast for an hour before receiving Holy Communion. The Eucharist is no ordinary food, but something worth waiting for in order to build our desire for union with Jesus. We should also fast from sin.
Fourth, we should approach Holy Communion with humility, reverence, and love. In giving us the Eucharist, Jesus said, “This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Jesus gave himself out of love, so the only appropriate response is to receive him in love and humility. St Thomas Aquinas said, “The Eucharist is the sacrament of love; it signifies love, it produces love.”
Finally, the Eucharist is the sacrament of union within the Catholic Church. Only Catholics in full communion with the Catholic Church can receive Holy Communion. Non-Catholics must abstain from receiving the Eucharist. If you are non-Catholic but long to receive Christ in the Eucharist, consider becoming Catholic via the parish RCIA process.
At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed that all his disciples would be one. He desires to give himself to us, but we need to be one in faith and baptism in order for this gift to bear fruit.
By meeting these conditions—faith, grace, fasting, reverence, and unity—Catholics can receive Holy Communion worthily, growing in holiness through this sacred sacrament.