This past weekend I had some people approach me with the question, "Why can't I partake in Holy Communion?" Some of these visitors to our church were baptized Catholics, but had not received the rest of the Sacraments, and some were non-Catholic Christians who participate in their communion service at their home church.
My answer to all of them was, "Because you really have to know what you are saying 'Yes' to when you receive Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church. You have to complete a series of classes and be aware of what the Eucharist really means."
A few years ago an associate pastor at our church was approached after a Mass by a visitor who proudly declared, "Ha ha! I just had Communion at your Church and I'm not even Catholic! So there!"
The priest told the visitor that what they had in fact done was to say to God, "I'm in agreement with the teachings of the Catholic Church by partaking of the Sacrament of Communion."
The visitor was upset. "I'm NOT in agreement with the teachings of the Catholic Church! I don't believe what you believe at all! How dare you say that!"
The priest explained that regardless of whether or not the visitor agreed with the Catholic Church, their actions said to God and to the community that they were in agreement.
This gives us all food for thought. I know many Catholics who privately believe that the Eucharist and Precious Blood are 'just a representation,' of Christ's Body and Blood and I admit myself that it is difficult for me to wrap my mind around that mystery too. The important thing is that we have to be mindful of what the Eucharist and Precious Blood are, and of what we are saying to God every time we receive Communion.
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