The Sunday Eucharistic Fast
Are you aware that in our preparations to receive Holy Communion at Mass that there is a period of fasting required in order to worthily receive the Sacrament? This is what Church Law (Canon Law) states:
Canon 919 paragraph 1
“One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion.”
The Eucharistic fast reminds us that what we are about to receive is Jesus himself and not bread and wine and that we must hunger for him who alone can satisfy our deepest hunger.
In the not so distant past, the Eucharistic fast began from midnight on. The current required one hour fast is not a hardship. If we break the Eucharistic fast, then we should refrain from receiving Holy Communion.
There is another obstacle to receiving Holy Communion worthily as is noted in Canon Law.
Canon 916
A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or to receive the Body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confession; in this case the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confession as soon as possible.”
To receive the Most Holy Eucharist in a state of grave sin is to inflict great personal pain to Jesus. To receive Holy Communion in Mass is not an automatic part of the ritual. If one is afraid not to go get in the Communion line for fear of what others might think is to forget the grave harm that we are imposing upon Jesus. Which is more important: to worry about what others think, or to fear hurting Jesus? I think that we know the answer to this question.
To receive the Most Holy Eucharist is not a right, it is the supreme gift of Jesus given to his Church in order to feed and sustain her on her earthly journey towards eternity. The very first sin committed against Jesus in the Holy Eucharist was at the first Mass on Holy Thursday by one of his apostles: Judas. Let us not follow in his footsteps. And let us not take the Most Holy Eucharist for granted.
Fr. Tim
Click HERE to Read: The Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
by Fr. Tim Krzyzaniak
With the Eucharist, therefore, heaven comes down to earth, the tomorrow of God descends into the present and it is as if time remains embraced by divine eternity –Pope Benedict XVI
First Holy Eucharist – this Sacrament normally takes place the month of May for children who are in 2nd Grade. See Faith Formation - 2nd Grade for full information on St. Catherine’s 2nd grade class.
Adults who have never received their first Holy Eucharist would typically prepare for this Sacrament through RCIA.