Why Non-Catholics Can't Receive Communion

Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz thoughtfully addresses a profound and often sensitive question: why non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics are unable to receive Holy Communion during Mass. This topic not only ignites discussions about inclusion and community but also sheds light on the deeper theological implications of the Eucharist.

Highlights the Discomfort

Fr. Schmitz points out the uncomfortable and awkward moments experienced during Mass when friends or family members who are not part of the Catholic faith find themselves unable to participate in Communion. This creates a scenario where individuals must face exclusion in a setting that is meant to be welcoming and inviting.

Understanding the Restriction on Communion

The restriction on Communion invokes feelings related to deeper emotional wounds, including the fear of rejection from a community. For many, the inability to receive Communion can feel as if they are being labeled as "not good enough" or less worthy in the eyes of God and the Church. This perception can create barriers not only to personal faith but also to forging connections within the community.

Historical Context

Historically, the practice of limiting Communion has its roots in the early Church. In the first few centuries following Christ, only those who were fully initiated into the Catholic Church, often through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, were allowed to participate in Communion. Individuals who were preparing for baptism would traditionally leave the service before the Eucharistic celebration, symbolizing that Communion was reserved strictly for the "insiders" of the faith.

Reframing the Perception of Exclusion

Fr. Schmitz acknowledges the feelings of hurt and exclusion experienced by those unable to receive Communion. He shares a poignant anecdote about a deacon whose non-Catholic mother felt unwelcome during his ordination Mass, illustrating how these restrictions can deeply impact family ties and community relations. This conversation is aimed at clarifying the Church’s intentions behind these restrictions, emphasizing that they are not meant to isolate but to preserve the sanctity of the sacrament.

The True Meaning of Communion

During the celebration of Communion, the priest proclaims the bread and wine to be transformed into the body and blood of Christ, a central belief in Catholic theology known as transubstantiation. When individuals respond with "Amen," it signifies not just agreement but a deep commitment of faith; it implies that they stake their personal beliefs and lives on this truth. Thus, the Church emphasizes that it would be inappropriate for someone to say “Amen” to a truth they do not truly believe in.

The communal aspect of Holy Communion is paramount—this act serves to unify believers, connecting them not only to one another but to the entire body of Christ, forming a sacred bond among all who participate.

Analogy of Marriage

Fr. Schmitz draws a powerful analogy between the commitment shown in the sacrament of marriage and that expressed through receiving Communion. Just as a couple—Jack and Jill—who are in love cannot consummate that love through sexual embrace until they are married, receiving Communion signifies a deep, committed relationship with the Church and its teachings. This act represents a spiritual union that has been formally recognized, highlighting the importance of readiness and commitment before participating in this sacred sacrament.

The Pain of Division in Communion

The speaker recognizes the emotional pain often felt during significant occasions such as family funerals or weddings when loved ones are unable to partake in Communion together. Such moments emphasize the divisions present within the Church and echo Jesus's poignant prayer for unity among believers during the Last Supper.

The Need for Unity

Fr. Schmitz articulates that while divisions exist within the Church, many do not see this fragmentation as significant. However, the call for unity as voiced by Jesus is urgent. Believers are encouraged to take these words to heart and work diligently towards reconciliation among all Christians, recognizing that the restriction on Communion serves as a reminder of the necessity for unity in Christ.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes by encouraging believers to use the pain of division as a catalyst for prayer and proactive action. He urges the community to pray actively for the unity of all Christians, looking forward to the day when all believers can partake in the Eucharist together. This reflects a hopeful and inclusive vision for the future of Christianity. He invites his listeners to engage with his message further, encouraging likes, subscriptions, and comments, fostering a continued dialogue on the topic.