The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is one of the most sacred aspects of Catholic practice. Receiving the Eucharist means participating in the real presence of Jesus Christ—body, blood, soul, and divinity. But there are circumstances under which one should not receive this sacrament. Let’s delve into the teachings of the Catholic Church to find out when and why you should refrain from receiving the Eucharist.
The Eucharist: What Is It?
Before discussing when not to receive the Eucharist, it’s important to understand what the Eucharist is. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.'” (CCC 1324) This means that the Eucharist is the most important part of a Catholic’s faith journey. Jesus Himself instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper when He took bread and wine, gave thanks, broke the bread, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19).
The Importance of Being in a State of Grace
One of the primary requirements for receiving the Eucharist is to be in a state of grace. This means you should not have any mortal sins on your soul. The Catechism states, “Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.” (CCC 1457)
So, you should never ever receive the Eucharist if you are aware of having committed a mortal sin and haven’t gone to confession.
If You’re Not Catholic
Being a baptized Catholic in a state of grace is essential to receive Communion. The Church teaches that only Catholics who are fully united with the Church should receive the Eucharist. This is not to exclude others but to respect the belief that the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Christ, a belief not shared by all Christian denominations.
If You Haven’t Observed the Fast
The Church asks us to fast for at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist. This is a form of reverence and preparation for the sacrament. The Catechism says, “The Eucharistic fast is required from any food or drink, except water and medicine, for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.” (CCC 1387) Skipping the fast should make you think twice before getting in line for Communion.
Doubt or Lack of Belief in the Real Presence
The Catechism clearly states that in the Eucharist, “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.” (CCC 1374) If you’re struggling with doubt or disbelief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, it would be respectful to refrain from receiving it.
During Times of Public Scandal or Division
Another reason to think twice about receiving the Eucharist is if your actions could cause scandal or division within the Church. The Apostle Paul warned against receiving the Eucharist unworthily and causing divisions within the community (1 Corinthians 11:18-29).
If You’re in the Process of Leaving the Church
If you’re in the process of leaving the Catholic Church or have formally defected, receiving the Eucharist is not recommended. This sacrament signifies unity with the Church, and receiving it while intentionally breaking that unity can be seen as hypocritical or dishonest.
Not Merely a Symbol
For Catholics, the Eucharist is not merely a symbol or a memorial. It’s a sacrament instituted by Christ Himself for our salvation. Therefore, it’s important to approach it with the reverence and preparation it deserves. Paul tells us that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:27).
To Conclude
Receiving the Eucharist is a profound experience that comes with responsibilities. Never ever receive the Eucharist if you are in a state of mortal sin without first going to confession, if you are not a Catholic, if you haven’t observed the fast, if you’re in doubt about the real presence, if your receiving could cause public scandal, or if you are in the process of leaving the Church.
The Church provides these guidelines not as limitations but as ways to honor the profound mystery and gift that is the Eucharist. The Church invites us to be fully present and prepared when we partake in this heavenly food so that we may “become what we receive,” as St. Augustine beautifully put it.
Always remember, “The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church.” (CCC 1407)