Daily Lenten Reflection—Sacramental Easter Duty

by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | April 2, 2015 12:03 am

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“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

The second precept of the Church requires that Catholics confess their grave sins at least once per year. This requires sacramental confession to a priest and can be done at any time during the year, as long as this enables the person to keep the third precept, which to receive Holy Communion at least once per year during the Easter season.

We are at that time of the year when Catholics are encouraged to make their confession so as to worthily receive Holy Communion at Easter. These are just minimums—any Catholic who loves God will desire to more frequently participate in these sacraments.

St. Paul warned the Corinthians, with cause, about abuses of the Blessed Sacrament. Worthy reception of Holy Communion does not require perfection, but it requires two minimum qualifications. First, one must be properly disposed and in a state of grace, that is, not have any mortal sins that are not absolved through confession. Second, one must believe what the Church teaches regarding the Real Presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament—the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

Lent is a time for deepening our faith; growing closer to the Lord. It is not meant to be a temporary focus on God and His love, but rather the start again of something new and lasting. Let us resolve to seek healing and forgiveness in Confession so as to worthily receive our Lord this Eastertide. And then, transformed by His love, let us take that love to others in His name.

Remember, you are dust, and to dust you will return. Repent and believe in the Gospel.

Editor’s Note: This concludes our Daily Lenten Reflections for 2015.

Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2015/04/deacon-bickerstaff-daily-reflection-sacramental-duty-and-blessing/

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