Why Should We Be in a State of Grace Before Receiving Holy Communion?

The Church teaches that we should be in a state of grace when we receive Holy Communion. What does “state of grace” mean?

It means that we are living in friendship with God and have not lost that friendship through mortal sin. If we know that we have committed a mortal sin, we should go to Confession before receiving Communion.

Holy Communion is not ordinary bread. We receive Jesus Christ, truly present in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Saint Paul told the first Christians to examine themselves before eating the bread and drinking from the cup of the Lord. The Church continues to teach us to examine ourselves before receiving Communion.

Being in a state of grace does not mean that we must be free from every sin. None of us is perfect. We have faults and weaknesses. Holy Communion strengthens our love for Christ, wipes away venial sins, and helps us resist sin.

Mortal sin is more serious. Three things are needed for a sin to be mortal. It must involve something seriously wrong. We must know that it is seriously wrong, and we must freely choose to do it. All three must be present.

If we know that we have committed a mortal sin, we should first go to Confession. Christ forgives us through the priest, and we are able to receive Holy Communion again.

Sometimes people go forward for Communion because nearly everyone else is going. There is no need to do this. If we are not prepared to receive, we may remain in the pew. We should not feel embarrassed. We should also not judge anyone who does not receive Communion. We do not know the reason.

We should still come to Mass even when we cannot receive Communion. We can listen to the readings, join in the prayers, and ask Jesus to help us. Then we should go to Confession when we are able.

Before Mass, take a moment to examine your conscience. If you know that you have committed a mortal sin, come to Confession before receiving Communion. Confessions at Saint Joseph are heard on Fridays after 9AM Mass and every First Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Catechism Connection: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29; CCC 1385, 1391–1395, 1415; Code of Canon Law, can. 916.

Have a question about the Catholic faith? Submit it to the parish office at OfficeAdmin@SaintJosephCayucos.org or 805-995-3243 for a future edition of Everyday Catholicism.