Should You Receive the Eucharist in Mortal Sin? (The Inner Life)

What should a Catholic do if they have committed a mortal sin but are approaching Mass and Holy Communion? On The Inner Life, host Deacon Patrick Conley shared a question from Robert in Montclair, California: “What about receiving the Eucharist in mortal sin?” The answer begins with what mortal sin means. When someone knowingly and deliberately chooses grave evil contrary to Christ’s commandments, that choice ruptures his relationship with God. Holy Communion expresses precisely the opposite. Receiving the Eucharist is a sign of communion with Christ – not only professing belief in Him, but seeking to live according to His commandments. That is why knowingly receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin creates a serious contradiction and is, itself, another serious sin. “If we are living in mortal sin or have committed mortal sin, we should not be presenting ourselves to Holy Communion,” guest Fr. John Paul Erickson explained. “The manner of our life has said, ‘I don’t want to be one with Jesus.’” The Church therefore teaches that a Catholic who is conscious of having committed mortal sin ordinarily must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion. Far from being merely a restriction, this teaching points toward reconciliation. If grave sin has separated us from friendship with God, Christ offers us a way home through His mercy. As Fr. John Paul encouraged listeners, “We need to get to confession as quickly as we can so that our lives can be in conformity with the way of eternal life.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.