Question:
Why do we make it so hard to receive Communion? If this is truly Jesus, why not let anyone who believes it is have his grace and receive him?
Answer:
In short, out of faithfulness to Jesus Christ and out of concern for those who would receive Holy Communion unworthily, lest they eat and drink a judgment upon themselves (1 Cor. 11:23-32).
When a person says “Amen” in receiving the Eucharist, he’s not just affirming belief in the Real Presence but in the whole Catholic faith that Jesus gave to the apostles. That is, he is affirming true and full unity with Christ and his Church. So if he can’t do that, whether for reason of mortal sin and/or because he is not yet Catholic, he shouldn’t receive, except for some grave reason. For more on this matter, see our tract on the subject and our article on the reception of Holy Communion by non-Catholics.
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