Why Should We Receive Holy Communion with Reverence?

We can go to Communion so often that we hardly stop to think about it. Yet the one we receive is Jesus himself.

At the consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Sacred Host, we receive the whole Christ, who gives himself to unite us more closely to him.

When we hear the words, “The Body of Christ,” we answer, “Amen.” Our response means that we believe the words just spoken. This is the Body of Christ.

Saint Paul told the Christians in Corinth to examine their conscience before receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. The Church still asks us to do the same. Before receiving Communion, we should consider whether we are in a state of grace. This means living in friendship with God and not being conscious of mortal sin.

If we are aware of mortal sin, the Church tells us to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion. Remaining in the pew may feel uncomfortable, but there is no shame in waiting when Confession is needed. It is an honest act of reverence that allows us to return to Communion reconciled with God.

Venial sin does not keep us from receiving Holy Communion. The Eucharist strengthens the life of grace within us and forgives venial sins. Mortal sin is different because it breaks our friendship with God. Reconciliation restores that friendship.

Humility is also part of receiving reverently. Shortly before Communion, we pray, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Christ gives himself to us freely. We come to him trusting in his mercy.

Holy Communion draws us closer to Christ. It strengthens the grace given to us at Baptism and helps us resist sin.

Some Sundays our attention wanders, and prayer is difficult. If we are in a state of grace, we may still receive the Lord with faith. Before Mass this Sunday, examine your conscience quietly. At Communion, remember whom you are receiving and mean your “Amen.”

References: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1374, 1376–1377, 1382, 1385–1387, 1391–1396, 1415; 1 Corinthians 11:27–29.

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