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brian
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Posted: Wed Jul 4th, 2007 07:48 pm |
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From what I understand it is recommended to receive this sacrament frequently if one is able. That it is beneficial and good to receive daily even. Is this correct? Are we continuing to receive more and more graces if we are well disposed the more often we receive communinon? I thought that I have also heard that the graces from even just one communion would be good enough for a lifetime. If this is so, why do we believe in frequent communion? I am guessing it is because even though this may be true all of us who are human will not necesarily correspond to that grace perfectly and we will stumble and so receiving more often is what helps us on the path to holiness.
My main question though is this. It seems that we have discussed a few times the canon law regarding not receiving more than twice in a day, and even then it seems they only want you to when you have a reason to participate in the liturgy. We seem to warn people that it is not necessarily better to receive more Jesus than less Jesus. That it would not give us more grace to receive him two times rather than one time.
I can acept this, but why would one more day make all the difference in the world? Why would receiving Eucharist two or more times in a day not be benficial necessarily than one time, but receiving monday tuesday and wednesday would b every good for us? Is it just because each day is sort of a new beginning and chance o start fresh? Is there a time table of how long the grace and intimcay of each communion lasts?
Maybe it is a stupid question, but I am just curious as to why we do not recommend that people try to receive often in one day, but would recommend they receive as many days as they can.
I am not bothered by it, I guess I just wanted to see what could be said about the matter. It actually makes sense to me and I like the idea, but I just wondered if I could learn more about it.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Wed Jul 4th, 2007 08:45 pm |
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From what I understand it is recommended to receive this sacrament frequently if one is able.
Frequent, even daily communion is indeed recommended. It is not, however, mandatory.
I thought that I have also heard that the graces from even just one communion would be good enough for a lifetime. If this is so, why do we believe in frequent communion? I am guessing it is because even though this may be true all of us who are human will not necessarily correspond to that grace perfectly and we will stumble and so receiving more often is what helps us on the path to holiness
Your guess is on target. The Eucharist is of infinite value, but we humans are limited and imperfect creatures and thus unable to make use of so much grace. Furthermore, no one can avoid all venial sin, so a person’s spiritual state will always tend to become worse. Therefore, periodic renewal is in order.
My main question though is this. It seems that we have discussed a few times the canon law regarding not receiving more than twice in a day, and even then it seems they only want you to when you have a reason to participate in the liturgy.
For us humans, food is necessary; it is good to eat frequently to provide fuel for the body. But to be constantly eating, especially to the exclusion of other necessary and good activities, is gluttony. It is not only abnormal, it is a sin. Likewise, one can abuse the Eucharist. One can eat and be satisfied, or one can stuff oneself and sin through a sort of spiritual gluttony.
One of the problems with frequent use of the sacraments (and this applies prominently to Penance as well as the Eucharist) is that it can be prompted by compulsive anxieties and appetites; this is known as scrupulosity. I think you know a thing or two about scrupulosity and its usual cause, an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Something we can also discern with the overuse of sacraments is that it has to do with putting self before God, as if we could force God to give us yet more grace. This is the essence of all sin.
These are the main reasons why the Church has seen fit to limit the reception of the sacraments.
David
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Wed Jul 4th, 2007 09:39 pm |
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Brian
I know that I'll probably not have the answer your looking for, but I thought I'd go to the vatican web-site and try to look something up for you.
66. Another aspect of the Eucharist’s sacramental grace is its being the antidote which liberates[220] and preserves from sin.[221] The Eucharist strengthens the Christian’s supernatural life and is a defence against the loss of the theological virtues. It is a sacrament of the living, that is, for those who enjoy union with Christ and his Church. Mortal sin causes separation from God and the Church, thus barring access to the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the antidote, the salutary medicine for healing the wounds of sin, because God’s mercy is symbolised and realised in this sacrament: “The Lord, lover of humanity, immediately saw what happened and the gravity of the wound. He hurried towards curing the injury so that it would not grow larger and become incurable...Moved by his goodness, he did not stop for a moment in providing for humanity.”[222]
I guess I've always viewed frequent reception as a strengthening of my relationship with christ and also gives the strength to go therefore and share your faith with others.
23). In the Eucharist, Christ presses us towards charity, inside and outside the Church.
Do you ever feel the difference of strength in avoiding sin? I've unfortuneately had to be away from the sacraments for weeks at a time and I can tell in my own fight for holiness, that when I have been receiving our Lord on a regular basis, I am better equiped to handle the occaision of temptations that come my way and when I have not received for a few weeks I find my self having a more difficult time avioding the near occaision of sin.
The Eucharist is the power that transforms us[232] and strengthens us in virtue. “It spurs us on our journey through history and plants a seed of living hope in our daily commitment to the work before us”[233] in the family, at work and in society. From this social character of the Eucharist, each person’s mission in the Church receives its power and trust.
Consequently, Holy Communion brings its fruits: growth in union with Christ, separation from sin, a strengthening of ecclesial communion, a commitment towards the poor, the increase of grace and the pledge of eternal life.[240]
these are probably not direct answers to your questions, but I do think they show why frequesnt reception is beneficial to ones growth in holiness, strength, and intimate union with Our Lord.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20040528_lineamenta-xi-assembly_en.html#CHAPTER%20IV
Happy Fourth of July
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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brian
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Posted: Thu Jul 5th, 2007 04:01 am |
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David W. Emery wrote:
Frequent, even daily communion is indeed recommended. It is not, however, mandatory.
One of the problems with frequent use of the sacraments (and this applies prominently to Penance as well as the Eucharist) is that it can be prompted by compulsive anxieties and appetites; this is known as scrupulosity. I think you know a thing or two about scrupulosity and its usual cause, an obsessive-compulsive disorder.....
Something we can also discern with the overuse of sacraments is that it has to do with putting self before God, as if we could force God to give us yet more grace. This is the essence of all sin.
These are the main reasons why the Church has seen fit to limit the reception of the sacraments.
David
So if a person like me wanted to go to mass daily should I feel good about this, or bad since I know that maybe my heart is doing it out of the wrong reasons? Or is daily not overuse but simply appropriate use even if a person is scrupulous. I just fear sometimes doing religious things for the sake of appeasing scruples. But I like the idea of daily mass in and of itself. But I worry it could become yet another thing I "have to do."
Also, I sometimes like going to confesion frequently. I heard JPII went weekly or even daily. A priest told me not to worry about overusing it. I think there may be danger to it if I am going for the wrong reasons. But if I truly have issues I want forgiveness or discernment for I think I should feel ok about going even if it has not been very long. Are there any resons I should try to not go? How do I know with daily mass or confessing frequently that I am on the right track and when I am there for bad reasons? I think so far I know based on the results of how helpful these things can be. Being Catholic is so wonderful, but sometimes I feel it is hard to know how much to take on at which times. I am struggling to see which clothes fit best at which times and how to feast and fast properly.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Thu Jul 5th, 2007 09:22 am |
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So if a person like me wanted to go to mass daily should I feel good about this, or bad since I know that maybe my heart is doing it out of the wrong reasons? Or is daily not overuse but simply appropriate use even if a person is scrupulous. I just fear sometimes doing religious things for the sake of appeasing scruples. But I like the idea of daily mass in and of itself.
The idea of scrupulosity is that one will feel an urge even to violate the Church’s regulations in order to satisfy the compulsion. It does not sound to me like you are experiencing this. Your problem right now is lack of experience.
A priest told me not to worry about overusing it.
Recall that going always to the same priest for confession is a good idea for scrupulous people. This is so that he can get to know you and your difficulties. Then he will be able to tell you if you begin to cross the line. Until then, you can do as your conscience dictates.
How do I know with daily mass or confessing frequently that I am on the right track and when I am there for bad reasons?
As I said, the priest will tell you. Your only duty is complete honesty with him.
I am struggling to see which clothes fit best at which times and how to feast and fast properly.
All the more reason to rely on the priest’s judgment. What you must never do is worry or fret; let him help you carry the load. Eventually you will get your bearings. This is a matter of prudence, and prudence comes far more from experience than from study.
David
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Tina in Ashburn
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Posted: Thu Jul 5th, 2007 02:40 pm |
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Hey Brian,
I like to go to daily Mass myself. And if I'm not able to, I find that listening to the Mass on EWTN very helpful.
One way to avoid scrupulosity [I agree with David this likely doesn't apply to you] and compulsion is to weigh it against your duties. When these things interfere with your rightful duties and state in life, then you need to reconsider immediately.
Otherwise, go for it! Daily Mass, Communion or just a quick visit to the Blessed Sacrament provides innumerable graces. Examination of conscience should be daily without exception. This holy introspection can lead to more frequent and fruitful confession.
Tina
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Tina
Arlington Diocese
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