EDITORIAL

The Church’s teaching on receiving the Eucharist is not a ‘Communion War’

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Every year, the media speculates as to whether politicians should be denied Holy Communion by their bishops depending on an individual’s political leanings. But the Church’s teaching on the worthy reception of Holy Communion does not apply exclusively to politicians. Nor is it meant to create the kind of ideological polarization one so often sees in politics. While myriad opinions exist on this topic, the Church’s teaching is clear. Catholics must refrain from Holy Communion when they are cognizant of having committed grave sin.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, “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” (CCC 1415). Sometimes, however, the minister has the duty to deny Holy Communion when an individual’s sin is notorious and that person has yet to repent. Indeed, Church law requires this whenever a Catholic “obstinately perseveres in manifest grave sin.”
To some, this appears harsh, unfair, and even uncharitable. The Church welcomes sinners, after all. But the Church’s restrictions on Holy Communion stem from her theology of the sacrament and her love for souls. These provisions are not cruel punishments, but merciful nods to brings a person closer to his or her eternal homeland. Receiving Holy Communion without a proper disposition will not be fruitful. In fact, it could lead to greater spiritual damage. The Church does not engage in “communion wars.” Rather, she offers the truth in the hopes that all will be saved.