Why We Receive The Eucharist

Recently, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco barred Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi from receiving the Eucharist because of being in support of abortion rights; she joined many other public figures who were previously barred from receiving communion because of their support of abortion rights. However, in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis said, “The Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect, but a generous medicine and food for the weak.”

The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith. The following are reasons why Catholics receive communion.

Celebration

The Eucharist is a celebration of Jesus Christ`s life. It is also a celebration of how He freed us from sin through His body and blood. Thus, at every Mass, Catholics come together to celebrate the person and work of Christ.

Repentance

At every Mass, Catholics are to repent for the deeds that caused them to defame Christ`s name, demote His supremacy in their lives and deflect from His teachings. Thus, Paul says believers should receive the Eucharist and “examine themselves”. This provides each Catholic with the opportunity to be a doer and not just a listener.

Motivation

In Luke 22:17-19 Jesus gives thanks and His disciples take part in the communion. Thanksgiving is an important part of the Mass; it gives each believer a chance to thank God for all that He has done for them. Psalm 50 and Acts 17 makes it clear that God does not need anything from His people; all He wants is for us to need Him! It is like the hymn “Come ye sinners, Poor and Needy” says, “Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome God`s free bounty glorify. True belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh” Thus the grace seen at the cross, is a response to the thanksgiving, which empowers believers to obey and follow Jesus. The Eucharist helps Catholics to see this grace and work of Christ at each Mass.

Proclamation

St. Paul reminds Catholics that in receiving the Eucharist, they are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again. This serves two purposes in the Church. First, it reminds the Church about the Gospel narrative, especially that of redemption and restoration. Through receiving the Eucharist, Catholics are reminding themselves about Christ’s love on the cross as well as His return. The other purpose is the proclamation of the Gospel to non-believers about what Christ has done, not what people do.

Participation

The Eucharist expresses the unity of the Church and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The main purpose St. Paul brings up the Eucharist (Lord`s Supper) in 1 Corinthians 11:17-33, it is for the sake of promoting unity not division. Thus, in receiving the Eucharist as a Church family, Catholics are unified around the Gospel and also communing with God.

Commemoration

“Do this in memory of me.”

Through receiving the Eucharist at Mass, Catholics are reminding themselves that the freedom they have received through the shedding of innocent blood. It is a remembrance and commemoration of the passion of Christ.

Delegation

One of the joys of receiving the Eucharist at Mass is to see believers being equipped for the work of the ministry. The Eucharist gives people an opportunity to use their gifts within the Church. This is all part of seeing the body of Christ function in a healthy, powerful way.

St. Teresa of Calcutta once said,