Holy
Communion
191. What is Holy
Communion?
Holy Communion is the
receiving of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
He who eats my flesh, and
drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. (John 6:57)
192.
What is necessary to
receive Holy Communion worthily?
To receive Holy Communion
worthily it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have a right
intention, and to obey the Church's laws on the fast required before
Holy Communion out of reverence for the body and blood of Our Divine
Lord. However, there are some cases in which Holy Communion may be
received without fasting.
Therefore whoever eats
this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be guilty
of the body and the blood of the Lord. (I Corinthians 11:27)
193.
What should we do to receive more abundantly the graces of Holy
Communion?
To receive more abundantly
the graces of Holy Communion we should strive to be most fervent and
to free ourselves from deliberate venial sin.
194.
How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?
We should prepare
ourselves for Holy Communion by thinking of Our Divine Redeemer whom
we are about to receive, and by making fervent acts of faith, hope,
love, and contrition.
Lord, I am not worthy that
thou shouldst come under my roof. (Matthew 8:8)
195.
What should we do after Holy Communion?
After Holy Communion we
should spend some time adoring Our Lord, thanking Him, renewing our
promises of love and of obedience to Him, and asking Him for
blessings for ourselves and others.
Ask, and it shall be given
you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7)
196.
What are the chief effects of a worthy Holy Communion?
The chief effects of a
worthy Holy Communion are: first, a closer union with Our Lord and a
more fervent love of God and of our neighbor; second, an increase of
sanctifying grace; third, preservation from mortal sin and the
remission of venial sin; fourth, the lessening of our inclinations
to sin and the help to practice good works.
He who eats my flesh, and
drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. (John 6:57)
197.
When are we obliged to receive Holy Communion?
We are obliged to receive
Holy Communion during Easter time each year and when in danger of
death.
198.
Why is it well to receive Holy Communion often, even daily?
It is well to receive Holy
Communion often, even daily, because this intimate union with Jesus
Christ, the Source of all holiness and the Giver of all graces, is
the greatest aid to a holy life.
And they continued
steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles and in the communion of
the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
199.
How should we show our gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on
our altars in the Holy Eucharist?
We should show our
gratitude to Our Lord for remaining always on our altars in the Holy
Eucharist by visiting Him often, by reverence in church, by
assisting every day at Mass when this is possible, by attending
parish devotions, and by being present at Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament.