On occasion, sometimes in the sacrament of reconciliation itself and sometimes in a conversation outside confession, people will bear their souls about a burden that they are bearing because of something that they have done and that they now regret terribly. They often say that they felt so bad and were so sorry, but that they “went to Communion last Sunday anyway.”
They wince when they make that last statement, assuming that they have sinned further and expecting to be scolded. But like many priests I say, “Good! You needed Communion then. Maybe more than you ever needed it before, you needed Communion. Maybe at that moment you were more worthy to receive than you have ever been before. It is good that you received Communion. You were hungry. The Lord wanted to feed you.”
Perhaps, Father, they wince because they're familiar with what the Church teaches; to wit, "Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1415).
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Reminds me of this past Sunday, at an Eastside Church. They made an announcement that there will be no Confessions this Saturday or Wednesday. Versus saying something like, "We all need the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Make sure during this long holiday weekend, you make it a point to come to the Confessional."
I'm looking forward to singing "God Bless America'" this Sunday at the end of Mass.
The FatMan
Sigh.
There are times, probably, when Communion is helpful even to those who haven't confessed, because they've had perfect contrition somewhere along the way -- and because at that moment, they don't know or they don't remember that they're not supposed to receive before going to Confession.
But if you know darned well you shouldn't be going and think about that, you really ought to be heeding your conscience.
It's a great grace to stay put in the pew for the love of God and His commands. It's never a great plan to disobey, even if you get forgiven later.
I’m always confused when a Catholic says such an ignorant thing. Possibly this person is well known to Father and is scrupulous which would make the advice appropriate. But he doesn’t say that in the article.
Any Catholic in this situation should praise God that this person’s conscience is still working and has not been so darkened by sin that they don’t even wince. The listener should have the courage and love, to gently tell them they ought to go to Confession.
I am always confounded when I hear a priest give such an answer. I know Father said ‘The Eucharist is not a reward for saints; it is food for sinners. “Take, and eat. Take, and drink, all of you.”’, but what about Paul saying to take the Eucharist unworthily is bring death on a person? What about what the Church, established by Christ proclaims?
Why would a priest do this? Are they ignorant of the teaching or just doesn’t understand it. Possible for a lay person but this man is a priest of over 30 years and has a Masters of Divinity. Sorry – no excuse.
Maybe this person doesn’t believe that the Eucharist is really and truly the God of the Universe – the very Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, the 2nd Person of the Blessed Trinity. If a person believed this, wouldn’t they want to be as pure as possible when they received their Lord. That doesn’t mean perfect – yes, Christ came for sinners – but he died so that our sins would be forgiven and gave us Confession so that we could ‘clean up’ before Holy Communion.
How extraordinarily sad and scandalous that a Living Icon of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, not speak the truth and encourage his sons and daughters to receive all the graces offered by Christ and His Church, and in fact, has led them astray.
reminds of that book "Fatherless"
The Eastern Catholics and Orthodox have a prayer before communion that I (Roman Rite) also use and recommend:
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.
I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own most precious Blood. Therefore I pray Thee: Have mercy upon me and forgive me my transgressions, committed in word and deed, whether consciously or unconsciously.
And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant. For I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: "Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom."
May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, 0 Lord, but to the healing of soul and body.
There is such a thing as the reception of sacraments to one's own condemnation.
In case there was any doubt, the confession in this prayer is not itself sacramental -- it is by no means a substitute for the Sacrament of Confession. Rather, it serves some of the same purpose as the Confiteor, and the bit about "neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation" is a reminder of how serious the decision to receive truly is.
Maybe the person feels terribly guilty about something that was bad but that was not a mortal sin. The prayers for forgiveness at mass (assuming they are actually prayed!) are adequate to receive communion in that case.
It doesn't sound as if that is the point Fr Waler was trying to make in the column. But it's true. Confessing venial sins is not necessary, but it is a good practice to help form the habit of reflection and penance.
If you want to know what someone means, you begin with what they SAY, and go from there. That's usually the best indicator of what they MEAN.
Father Waller is pastor of St Andrew's in Milford, where the old confessional is used for a broom closet, and the new confessional is in the servers' sacristy, accessible only by walking through the sanctuary. Been like that for years. Don't ask me why. But it might explain things.
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