Have you ever wondered, “Why can’t
everyone who comes to Mass receive Communion?” I have met this question on many occasions, especially in the
context of preparing for a wedding or funeral that features a mixed crowd of
believers (Catholics and Protestants) and unbelievers.
While we
have often been accused of being unloving or unwelcoming in asking
non-Catholics to come up for a blessing instead, quite the opposite is
true. The Second Vatican Council
ensures we have a deep respect for those of different faiths, religions or
personal convictions. We indeed have
people at weddings, funerals and Sunday liturgies who believe differently in
the Eucharist (and we are glad you join us!).
The
key to the above question is in one powerful word we say several times during
Mass: amen. Two of these are especially important. The first comes collectively in the Great Amen which the congregation sings
(or says) after the priest elevates the Body and Blood of Christ while proclaiming,
“Through Him and with Him and in Him, O God almighty Father, in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours forever and ever.” The second is stated individually after
the minister of Communion says, “The Body/Blood of Christ.” In both cases the amen is equivalent to affirming: “Yes, I believe this is Jesus’ Body and Blood! Yes,
I believe in the Catholic Church! Yes,
I follow the Pope as Christ’s voice on earth! Yes, I believe in Catholic Church teachings!”
While it
may seem loving or welcoming to invite everyone forward during Communion it
actually is not. In fact, doing so
would be to put brothers and sisters under false oath, proclaiming belief in
something of which they may not actually believe.
It
is also important to know that receiving a host at Mass is not necessarily the
same as receiving grace. While
consuming a small wafer only requires an open mouth, receiving God’s grace in
the Eucharist requires having an open
soul. Someone who abstains
from Communion at Mass (a Catholic who is in a state of mortal sin or a
non-Catholic who joins us to worship) may indeed receive more grace than the
Catholic who receives Christ absent-mindedly.
The
general guidelines for receiving communion include being baptized, being in a
state of grace, going to Confession after committing mortal sin and believing
that the Eucharist is Jesus’ Body and Blood.
To
anyone who believes the Eucharist is Jesus’ Body and Blood who is not Catholic,
please join us in our official steps of welcoming by coming to RCIA! To our Catholics who come to Mass
weekly or daily, approach this gift of the Eucharist seriously! To those who join us who abstain from
Communion, know we ask this because we love you and respect your own faith or
personal convictions.
God
Bless!
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