4/23/2021
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| Giotto, “Ascension of Christ" |
Chapter IV of Redemptionis Sacramentum is called “Holy Communion.”
’29 dealt with the aspect of Holy Communion pertaining to the protection from profanation prevented by the recently adapted use of the paten.
This Chapter reviews more aspects of Holy Communion which, if neglected, could give occasion for abuse.
It recalls “prior sacramental confession” as necessary for anyone to receive Holy Communion or celebrate Mass (for a priest) for one who is conscious of grave sin. The exception to this is the case of grave necessity and the possibility of confession is lacking. In such a case, the penitent must intend to confess as soon as possible and is bound to make an act of perfect contrition.
Paragraph 82 is helpful. It consists entirely of a quotation from JPII’s 2003, Ecclesia de Eucharistia. It refers to the fact that there exist “objective conditions under which communion may not be given.” RS emphasizes the norms which the Church has drawn up for the purpose of determining those “objective conditions.” The existence of these norms is an important safeguard against the sacrilegious administration of Holy Communion. The paragraph from EE, which RS cites, further explains the importance and usefulness of these norms. It indicates that pastors are to safeguard “ecclesial communion.” In June 2000 PCLT clarified how receiving Holy Communion can effectively harm ecclesial communion. “In effect, the reception of the Body of Christ when one is publicly unworthy constitutes an objective harm to the ecclesial communion: it is a behavior that affects the rights of the Church and of all the faithful to live in accord with the exigencies of that communion.”
Image: Giotto, “Ascension of Christ"
