Why does the Church exclude people from Holy Communion?

By Jillian Cooke, MTh, MAPM






Fr. Kolbe Missionary of the Immaculata

 I hear it often, and it becomes a very personal thing, Why can't I (my mom, my kid, my neighbor) go to Communion? In a typically Socratic (or perhaps just Jillian) way, I ask in return "I'm not sure of your specific situation, do you have any idea why not?" To which the inquirer generally gives me a long list - or rather a monologue - of reasons and lamentations and frustrations.

Many of them arouse a deep sympathy, and the sensitive side of me begins to dialogue with the rational, like the Church I begin to (at least figuratively) "weep over Jerusalem." It is a wonderful opportunity to remind myself of the beauty of the faith, and in turn to educate my dear brothers and sisters about the care of the Church. The Church cares deeply for her flock, but will not subjugate the truth, her Lord, to the whims of that flock.

The Church does not, technically, exclude anyone from Holy Communion. Our choices exclude us. Sometimes the consequences of  these choices are long and painful, but they are still the consequences of of our poor use of free-will.

Truth #1
When we go up to receive Holy Communion, we are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ is one with the Father and the Spirit. It is the most intimate event of our lives. The Minister holds the host before our eyes and says, "Body (or Blood of Christ)," and we reply "Amen." An offense against the Holy Eucharist is an offense against the Almighty and All-Loving God.
Read more in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.


Therefore, non-believers...
We love you. The Church loves you. You may very well beat us all to heaven, but you cannot go up to communion and say you believe in something you don't. This is just a simple matter of dignity for you, the Sacrament, and above all Our Lord.

Truth #2
A sacrament is an "efficacious sign." It is a sign that makes present what it signifies. The water from baptism signifies, and makes actual, the cleansing from original sin. Holy Communion signifies and makes actual the communion in the Body of Christ, the Church. (This isn't all, of course, but we are sticking with this aspect for today.)

Therefore, Catholics in a state of mortal sin, unlawful marriage, non-practicing...
When I go to receive Holy Communion, I must be in communion with the Church. If not, I'm mocking the sacrament and essentially acting out a lie. I am signifying that I am in communion, while in fact not being so. Again, this is an insult to my dignity, and that of the Church, the sacrament, and Our Lord. Mortal sin, that is any serious sin committed intentionally with full awareness of the offense, separates us from communion, because it is the antithesis of charity.

Truth #3
The moment of Holy Communion is the "climax" of the Mass. Throughout the Mass we are led from the Confiteor to the Great Amen. We've prepared to receive Christ through the confession of our unworthiness, listening to his Word in Holy Scripture, seeking his aid through the intercessory prayer, offering ourselves with the Holy Sacrifice in the offertory, coming together as a Church to summarize it all in the Our Father, offering peace to one another as a final act of reconciliation, and THEN and only then going up to Our God to receive him.

Therefore late attendance, or downright-intentional distraction, must be prayerfully avoided....
Is there a moment that you consider unimportant for preparation? Do you run into Mass after the Gospel already with the Word of God on your heart and mind? The Mass is a prayer of poignant beauty. We would not pray the Rosary only muttering "now and at the hour of our death" over and over. What makes us think that we should pray only a fraction of this solemn prayer?  Definitely, we should check ourselves before going to Mass if we have prepared to receive Our Lord... or are we taking this to much in stride? This response has more questions than answers. The fact of the matter is that - with right emphasis being given to the unity of the Mass - there is no hard and fast rule. One thing for certain: you've missed Mass if you aren't there for the consecration. Read more here.

Now, you may be wondering how to prepare for Holy Communion in a whirlwind of a world, or perhaps what to do if you cannot receive Holy Communion? Stay tuned....

Year of Faith to a Life of Faith (and Hope and Charity)

The Year of Faith will be over tomorrow, but our life of faith is hopefully forever strengthened. When we get to heaven (God willing and Our Lady leading), we will be eternally amazed at the graces poured out into our lives while traversing this valley of tears. We'll "look back" on this Year of Faith and marvel forever at God's goodness. 

This leads me to consider the importance of HOPE in our life of faith. What's the difference?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. 

Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. 

Hope orders our human desire for happiness. It keeps us from indulging in the here and now, because we know that something greater is coming. We pass up that delicious steak or that gallon of ice cream on a Friday, because we know that our true happiness is coming --- we don't need that steak to be happy, we don't even need that ice cream. Hope tells us to hold on and live for what is greater. 

Hope also acts as a healing warmth when we can't understand the brokenness and evils around us, because we know that we are still waiting for our true home. It is much easier to put up with aches and pains when we know we are healing, or to sit still on an airplane for hours and hours when you know we are going somewhere, or to run those miles when we know there is a finish line. Hope tells us it's worth it. 

Faith, is more about the here and now, the eternal present. Faith tells you there is a God, it is an intellectual, willed decision to believe everything he tells us and to CONFORM our lives to this truth. 

Faith without works is dead. 
Faith without Hope is stagnant. 
Faith and Hope without Charity is impossible. 

But, put them all together and you have an unstoppable force for Good, and a joy that no one can take away. 

As we cross through the "Door of Faith," my prayer is that this year of faith will become a life of Faith, one day at a time, in the Hope of being with him forever, and enflamed by that Love that knows no limits. 

The Empty Chair: Part II

The Year of Faith opened with great jubilation. All across the world parishes and diocese were preparing classes on the Catechism, the Second Vatican Council, and the Creed. Conferences, studies, prayer vigils sprung up in all parts of the world. I personally say the logo for the Year of Faith in Italian, German, French, Polish, Vietnamese, Spanish, Korean, English, Tagalog, and of course Latin. What a marvelous blessing to see so many thrilled to celebrate our common faith!

Then, on the morning of February 11th I received a very early morning text saying that Pope Benedict was resigning. The reactions were as vastly different as the members of the Church. One moaned they were an orphan, another that Pope Benedict never was as great as John Paul II, still others were sure the world was going to end before Easter Sunday, and many applauded this historic step. One emotion not expressed, whether by secular, gnostic media sources or fervent Catholics, was indifference.

At a moment of apprehension and wonder, our faith was tested again. It is not always easy to accept all that the Church teaches, and we cannot always accept what Her members do. Waiting like the disciples after the Ascension, it is not easy to be on the outside of the upper room wondering and praying for the apostles to lead us in all their human frailty. Still, many of us laughed to ourselves as we heard talk about the Church as if She were a purely human instituion. "Maybe, finally, a Pope will be elected who will get with the times?!"

While our faith was tested; we were also strengthened. The Papal election process and the vacancy of the Chair of Peter leaves us all with one - sometimes subtle - question: Am I still in? Was I a follower of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict, or Jesus? Am I absolutely certain that I should pray for the Cardinals in conclave, and yet equally certain that nothing will prevail against the Church?

Many, many wait to see who is elected before making the response of faith. Most of us make the response the moment the Chair is vacant, and yet I am certain that we all must make it.

Therefore, that moment - those weeks - that seemed so very extraordinary in the life of the Church, was perhaps the greatest gift of the Year of Faith. We were given the opportunity to recognize our human side, and adore the Divine, to say yes again to the Lord through His Vicar, and to celebrate what faith is at its very heart: knowing that God is in charge, in control, and ever-present, even when there is "no one in the chair."

How do we know God exists?

You can't touch him. You can't see him. You can't feel him. You can't smell him. Yet, you know
him. For many of us, this is the proof that he exists. Our faith is proof that he exists. But, what about our God given reason? Are we just suppose to abandon it to the conviction of faith?

Not at all. God created us to use our intellect - as my dad often said to me  "Use your God given brain" or "God gave you a brain. Use it." While I was usually in trouble when I heard these phrases, I imagine the Heavenly Father saying the same thing. "Look around and think!" "Open your eyes."

All around we see proof of the existence of God.

1. Nothing moves without something pushing it. There had to be a "first mover" that got everything started, and was never started itself.

2. Something doesn't come from nothing. Everything comes from something, but this can't go on forever. There must be something that always exists (existence itself) from which everything else comes.

3. Order does not come from disorder. Yet, we see order everywhere in the universe. Therefore, there must be something intelligent that gives order to everything.

Compare to 1,2, and 5 of Thomas Aquinas proofs of God's existence.

Numbers 4 relies on the acceptance that there are objective truths. In other words, something can actually be more or less good because it is closer or further from the true, objective good. The example St. Thomas gives is that an object is more or less hot depending on its distance from fire (considered to be the source of all heat.) So, man's being and perfections (goodness, beauty, etc) must come from his proximity to some source of being, goodness, and beauty.

Number 3 is an argument, simply put, that if there was a time that nothing existed then (as in number 1) we wouldn't exist now. Therefore, something had to always exist.

Therefore, using our God given brains and looking around the world around us, we can see that God exists. He is the first mover, the cause of all that exists, the intelligent being that gives order and purpose to our world, the source of all goodness, beauty and perfection, and eternal.

All powerful. All good. All knowing. All present. God.

How do I tell the truth if it will just cause problems?

Yes. You may hurt his/her feelings. You may make him/her very angry. You may get stuck with a mopey grouch, passive aggressiveness, or misdirected wrath. Therefore, this dilemma is not quite as easy as I would like (and use to suppose). At the same time, its not only possible, but necessary. No one likes to cause problems, but by being truthful we become instruments of grace and we grow in virtue. Jesus was the ultimate "confrontation specialist." So here are a few tips, gathered from various sources.


1. Tell the truth - lying is not an option. Silence or a Swap, on the other hand, may be appropriate.
2. Enter confrontations only after you've prayed. There is always time for a "Come, Holy Spirit."
3. Speak in charity. (Is it for the good of the other person? Am I motivated by charity?)
4. Take responsibility for yourself. "I have a hard time.... Its painful.... I really care, so...."
5. Stay calm; Remember that confrontation is healthy.
6. Listen and don't presume you know everything about the other person.
7. Accept the results. You did your best. You can't control the other person.
and finally
8. Be grateful and responsive when others are TRUTHFUL WITH YOU.

Remember, that when you speak the truth in charity, you are being like Christ! When Christ spoke out, it was not always easy or nice to hear. St. Maximilian Kolbe died for the truth, like so many martyrs of the Church. Be confident, because as Fr. Kolbe said, "Truth is powerful."

What goes around comes around?

We have all said this. The question is: Is it true?  

We know that there are logical consequences to our actions, both good and bad. If I stub my toe, it will hurt. If I cut my finger, it will bleed. If I lie, I have to navigate and/or accept the repercussions. If I'm caught for tax evasion, I'll cinch my belt and work harder to pay the consequences. All of this is expected. When we don't accept the consequences, then we have to pay others. A miserable person is a person who can't take responsibility for their actions. 

A more apt cliche may be "You made your bed; now, sleep in it."

"What goes around comes around, on the other hand," is a watered down (perhaps only Americanized) version of a Buddhist principle called Karma. This principle says that anything that happens to you is because you deserve it. Such an understanding of good and bad is detrimental to our peace and really our confidence in God. We fall into it more than we may realize. 

Terrible, evil things are impossible to understand and to grasp. We'd rather heap guilt and shame upon ourselves, than accept the reality that it is impossible to understand. A young adult, recently abused, attributed the crime against her to a less than moral life lived ten years ago. A recovered alcoholic blames his present (unrelated) cancer on his reckless behavior thirty years ago. A neighbor and friend gossips about a mom ruining her reputation, a dad is fired, all because "what goes around comes around."

This, however, has no bearing in truth. One, because it is illogical (and God is supremely logical). What does my lying have to do with hitting my head? Secondly, it depends on a belief in reincarnation. Otherwise, why do innocent children suffer? Third, it presupposes that God (Who isn't actually part of Buddhist spirituality) punishes not as a source of purification, but in order to get even. Finally, it does not acknowledge that God is the supreme arbiter. 

Evil things happen, because we have free will to renounce the good. Plus, EVERYONE has free will. Even if I live a life of faith, there is no guarantee that those around me will as well. Just because I do what is right, does not mean that others will also. While I, personally, cannot say that I understand the pain of suffering at the hands of another, the Lord Jesus does. 

No Karma. Paschal Mystery. Thank God. 

Why is getting drunk a serious (read mortal) sin?

Jesus' first public miracle was turning water into wine at the bequest of his mother. We know that for

thousands of years people have drank of the vine, and in colder climants beer did the trick. There is something warming in a shot of whisky, or brandy, or grappa (italian bootleg). Alcohol - in and of itself - is not at question here. The question is to what extent is it morally permissible to imbibe? 

It depends on the person. I know some who blush just looking at a glass of wine, and others who don't seem phased by a whole bottle (ok, half a bottle). The golden standard doesn't exist. How often have I heard, from an unrepentant young person a few days after a party, "I only had three."  Well, my friend, next time have one or two. 

Drinking relaxes you. But, then you become super serious, or extra chatty. Your head "buzzes" with that familiar sensation you like so much. Your reactions a bit slow (shoot). You are crossing the line. You know it. You need to stop, and yet you take a look - a whole ice chest full of cold beers. Rum and Coke. Whatever. But, see,  you've already damaged your ability to choose prudently (otherwise, you wouldn't have spilled that last beer). You've already had too much, but you "reason" and take another one. 

It is a mortal sin if done intentionally. If you're not drinking to get drunk, but it happens anyway, it is likely a lesser sin. If this is habitual, well then, you're back up to grievous. It is no small matter. 

Why? It doesn't hurt anyone (usually). It feels good (until the next morning). Etc. The answer is simple: you are intentionally flooding the most precious gift you have to offer God with intoxicating chemicals. Your REASON (the ability to judge) and your WILL (your ability to choose) are impaired by excessive alcohol, and your innate image of God is washed in booz. 

That's why you may not be culpable for the stupid things you do while drunk, but you are culpable for being drunk in the first place, risking stupid sins, undermining your most precious assets, and putting pleasure and the flesh above obedience and love. Its a stark reality. The mortal sin lies in being drunk - even if you go to sleep immediately in your own home. 

Rather than upset you, let this remind you of the immense value of your reason and will. Let this mirror the beauty and sanctity of your whole person working together, the higher powers commanding the lower powers, for the glory of God. It just isn't possible when you're drinking too much. Period. 

So, enjoy that glass of wine. Savor that bottle of beer. Delight in that shot of tequila. Then use your God given reason and will and stop. 

If you can't stop, my friend, it is the time to not even start and to get help if needed. 

Tension Rising

In today's Gospel reading the tension is certainly mounting.  Jesus starts off by saying that the truth will set you free. Right away the Pharisees have a problem, "We're not slaves," they retort. Jesus tells them, yes you are - you are slaves to sin. "Anyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." 

Of course this gets them heated. The Pharisee usually plays the hot headed ego who think that doing the things of the law amounts to a perfect life (I'm sure none of us have ever had that idea). Just to make things really clear, Jesus calls them out and "blows their cover." "You are trying to kill me." They thought they were being pretty discreet I imagine (always trying to be cunning and cover their tracks with smooth talk - I'm sure you've never done that.) Alas, when you are not in the truth you make all sorts of mistakes. Two things are the most obvious in the world: love and hate. Theirs wasn't love.

Jesus goes on, and tells them that Abraham wouldn't do such a thing. So, you're not Abraham's sons. Then the real eye-opener, "you are doing the works of your father!"  This line jumps out at me like a double edged sword. These similar words were recently uttered by our Pope Francis: If we do not proclaim Jesus, we proclaim the devil. The other edge of the sword: if you are not with Me, you are against Me.

The Pharisees are becoming cornered, so in a last ditch effort they claim to be sons of God, because they have only one real father: the Lord. Not sure why they thought they'd get away with this, since Abraham was too good for them. However, the lesson here is for us, because Christ's response was simple: If God was your Father, you would love me." 

The drama continues tomorrow, as the tension escalates to the cross. Our primary concern: Who is our Father?

Tony, Tony Look Around... uhm, maybe WE need to look around!

St. Anthony at San Fernando Mission

St. Anthony is a patron of the Institute. He is known for finding things. And there you have it. That's about it. Poor Guy. However, given his wonderful biography, I believe he is quite pleased with this set-up.  Arguably the first theologian of the Franciscan Order, a great Missionary, Miracle Worker, and Inspiring Preacher - he is undoubtedly happy to remain only to help us absent minded souls find their stuff.

Even my godson Tony is so named, because of the aid he supplied my brother during his honeymoon when his wallet was misplaced. Coupled with the saints statues in every California mission, and presto - the decision to name their first born was made decisively.... even if at this point they had no children!

Anthony was born Ferdinant, in Lisbon, Portugal. (That's right, the hero of the Italians is Portughese.)  He entered the Augustinian Order, but after seeing the first Franciscan Martyrs carried back from Africa (trying to convert Muslims) he was filled with fervor for the missionary life. He left the relatively noble Augustinians, and joined the Franciscans.

Quod est Veritas

As you know we recently posted about the most beautiful word a missionary (or anyone) can say: YES! But, really, in the end, what are we saying yes to anyway? After all, as Fulton Sheen points out in The World's First Love, every yes carries with it a no. Yes to marry this man means I say no to all the others. Yes to typing this blog out right now, means I'm saying no to doing anything else.

We say YES to truth. We say NO to lies. Bottom line. But, as Pontius Pilate utters - Quod est veritas? What is truth?  And, how inflexible is it really?

Just food for thought. After all, Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." What was he saying?

To be continued....