Unworthy of Christ: A Biblical Defense of Catholic Communion

Transcription

1 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

2 Reflection by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Nowadays [some] New Testament scholars say that the Eucharist is the continuation of the meals with sinners that Jesus had held.a notion with far-reaching consequences. It would mean that the Eucharist is the sinners banquet, where Jesus sits at the table; [that] the Eucharist is the public gesture by which we invite everyone without exception. The logic of this is expressed in a farreaching criticism of the Church s Eucharist, since it implies that the Eucharist cannot be conditional on anything, not depending on denomination or even on baptism. It is necessarily an open table to which all may come to encounter the universal God,

3 Reflection by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger However tempting the idea may be, it contradicts what we find in the Bible. Jesus Last Supper was not one of those meals he held with "publicans and sinners". He made it subject to the basic form of the Passover, which implies that the meal was held in a family setting. Thus he kept it with his new family, with the Twelve; with those whose feet he washed, whom he had prepared by his Word and by this cleansing of absolution (John 13:10) to receive a blood relationship with him, to become one body with him.

4 Reflection by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger The Eucharist is not itself the sacrament of reconciliation, but in fact it presupposes that sacrament. It is the sacrament of the reconciled, to which the Lord invites all those who have become one with him; who certainly still remain weak sinners, but yet have given their hand to him and have become part of his family.

5 Reflection by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger That is why, from the beginning, the Eucharist has been preceded by a discernment. (I Corinthians 11:27 ff). The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, [the Didache], is one of the oldest writings outside the New Testament, from the beginning of the Second Century, it takes up this apostolic tradition and has the priest, just before distributing the sacrament saying: "Whoever is holy, let him approach, whoever is not, let him do penance. (Didache 10)

6 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

7 Relevant Scriptures So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. (1 Cor 11:27-32)

8 Relevant Scriptures Lord, who is it [who will betray you]? Jesus answered, It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it. So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, What you are going to do, do quickly. Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, Buy what we need for the feast, or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. (Jn 13:21-30)

9 Relevant Scriptures So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny (Mat 5:21-26)

10 Canon Law Canon 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.

11 Catechism Catechism 1385 To respond to this invitation we must prepare ourselves for so great and so holy a moment. St. Paul urges us to examine our conscience: "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." Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.

12 Didache If any one is holy, let him approach; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen. (Didache 10) But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs." (Didache 9)

13 Ratzinger Memo Presenting oneself to receive Holy Communion should be a conscious decision, based on a reasoned judgment regarding one s worthiness to do so, according to the Church s objective criteria, asking such questions as: "Am I in full communion with the Catholic Church? Am I guilty of grave sin? Have I incurred a penalty (e.g. excommunication, interdict) that forbids me to receive Holy Communion? Have I prepared myself by fasting for at least an hour?" The practice of indiscriminately presenting oneself to receive Holy Communion, merely as a consequence of being present at Mass, is an abuse that must be corrected (cf. Instruction "Redemptionis Sacramentum," nos. 81, 83). (Ratzinger Memo to McCarrick, # 1)

14 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

15 What do we mean by Communion? More than a me and Jesus concept To be united to Jesus is to be united to his Body, the Church It is also to be united to his mind and heart, therefore to his teachings and the values and priorities of his heart. I believe all that the Holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and professes to be revealed by God.

16 Exodus 24:4-8 Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD, Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do. Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his."

17 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

18 What is Mortal Sin? When the will sets itself upon something that is of its nature incompatible with the charity that orients man toward his ultimate end, then the sin is mortal by its very object... whether it contradicts the love of God, such as blasphemy or perjury, or the love of neighbor, such as homicide or adultery.... But when the sinner's will is set upon something that of its nature involves a disorder, but is not opposed to the love of God and neighbor, such as thoughtless chatter or immoderate laughter and the like, such sins are venial. (CCC 1856) If it is not redeemed by repentance and God's forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ's kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back. (CCC 1861)

19 What is Mortal Sin? For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: "Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent." (CCC 1857)

20 What is Mortal Sin? Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments, corresponding to the answer of Jesus to the rich young man: "Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother." The gravity of sins is more or less great: murder is graver than theft. One must also take into account who is wronged: violence against parents is in itself graver than violence against a stranger. (CCC 1858)

21 Mortal Sin In Scripture 1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were.

22 Mortal Sin In Scripture 1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were.

23 Mortal Sin In Scripture 1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were.

24 Mortal Sin In Scripture Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

25 Mortal Sin In Scripture Eph 5:3-6 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No sexually immoral, impure or greedy person such a person is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

26 Mortal Sin In Scripture Eph 5:3-6 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No sexually immoral, impure or greedy person such a person is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

27 Mortal Sin In Scripture Rev. 22:12-16 Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.

28 Mortal Sin In Scripture Matt 25:41-46 Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

29 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

30 Relevant Issues Background Infrequent Communion for most prior to 1900 Attempts to restore frequent Communion The problem of overcorrection? Now most come with little confession

31 Relevant Issues Communion for the divorced and remarried. And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, Is it lawful to divorce one s wife for any cause? He answered, Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. They said to him, Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away? He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery (Matt 19:3-9) Inter alia

32 Relevant Issues Communion for the divorced and remarried. To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. (1 Cor 7:10-11)

33 Relevant Issues - Communion to public sinners, and notorious dissenters. The Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is a grave sin. The Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae, with reference to judicial decisions or civil laws that authorize or promote abortion or euthanasia, states that there is a "grave and clear obligation to oppose them by conscientious objection. [...] In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to 'take part in a propaganda campaign in favour of such a law or vote for it'" (no. 73). Christians have a "grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God s law. Indeed, from the moral standpoint, it is never licit to cooperate formally in evil. [...] This cooperation can never be justified either by invoking respect for the freedom of others or by appealing to the fact that civil law permits it or requires it" (no. 74).

34 Relevant Issues - Communion to public sinners, and notorious dissenters. Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia. For example, if a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment or on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.

35 Relevant Issues - Communion to public sinners, and notorious dissenters. Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.

36 Relevant Issues - Communion to public sinners, and notorious dissenters. Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

37 I. Remote inquiry Sinners Meal or Sacred Meal II. Root Instructions - From Scripture and other sources III. Related instructions What do we mean by Communion? What is mortal sin? IV. Relevant Issues Divorce and remarriage Public sinners and dissenters A way forward? General Outline

38 A Way Forward? Church-wide instruction of all the faithful can avoid the impression that certain people, issues or groups are being singled out. Many today for various reasons should not come forward for Communion on a given Sunday. Encouragement to receive Communion with great regularity notwithstanding, Communion must be worthy, lest the opposite of the intended effects be manifest. Confession must be more readily available prior to Masses and at other times. Clear but charitable instruction must be more ardently offered in parishes and from the bishops to all the faithful.