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“Can you drink the cup
that I am going to drink?
They replied, ‘We can.’
‘Very well,’ he said
you shall drink my cup”
Mt 20
It’s late on Tuesday as I write and I’m just home from a gathering of parishioners of the Waimakariri parish north of Christchurch meeting in Kaiapoi for the third of six Lenten reflection sessions.
I’m appreciating these Lenten moments, as I am the First Communion parents sessions which I referred to in yesterday’s post.
It is difficult to move many Catholics from an excessively private focus on the receiving of Communion to the communal perspective which is at the heart of the life of the present and eternal Communion of Saints.
Sound Catholic theology has certainly held the centrality of personal relationship with Jesus whom we receive in Eucharist, but as we also know from the teaching of Jesus I am receiving communion unworthily if I come to the altar without first doing all I can to heal divisions with my sisters and brothers.
One of the most moving moments in any celebration of the Eucharist is the Communion Procession, people leaving their pews and step by step solemnly moving forward to the altar. The earlier parts of the Mass are a preparation for this moment: the Penitential Rite with a communal confession, openness to the voice of Jesus speaking to us in the scriptures, prayer of intercession in the prayers of faithful people, and the Eucharistic Prayer leading to a profound and communal forward movement to receive the reality of Jesus.
The beautiful thing about a procession is that we feel as though we are being carried. We move together, making space for and keeping pace with others.
Sometimes we might feel unable to receive Communion. The reasons are often complex. But if we ever choose to not receive communion it should be as a result of our own decision made in dialogue with Jesus – not because someone else tells us not too.
Also we should never stay away from receiving Communion because we decide we are unworthy. Eucharist is not reward for the perfect but food for the journey.
I am most ready to receive Communion when I am most aware of my imperfection and conscious of my need for Jesus.
One of the greatest rebirths in the Church in the first half of last century was a return of people to the regular reception of Eucharist. I remember a priest ordained in the 1950’s saying that at a parish Sunday Mass which began after 9.00am the church would be full but almost no-one would receive Communion.
Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear: “it is in keeping with the very meaning of the Eucharist that the faithful, if they have the required dispositions, receive Communion when they participate in the Mass” (CCC 1388).
Note that the word disposition is used, not perfection.
The one who feels worthy is not rightly disposed.
The one who is aware of her / his unworthiness is rightly disposed.
“Can you drink the cup
that I am going to drink?
They replied, ‘We can.’
‘Very well,’ he said
you shall drink my cup”
Mt 20
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Upcoming Cafe Gatherings:
Send a name, date, place and time and I’ll share your invitation. Just initiate a gathering, send me the info, and turn up to meet with anyone else who wants to take an hour to chat about their experience of God.
Thursday 5 March 2026 10.30am
The Cafe at Harrison’s Pekapeka Rd Waikanae
Catherine
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The right disposition and being in a state of grace to receive the Blessed Eucharist are so important for our journey. The beauty of the sacrament of reconciliation helps to ensure our disposition increases our worthiness to receive the precious gift of the Living Presence of Christ. It is crucial that despite feeling unworthy we take the causes for our unworthiness to Jesus to be further reconciled to Him. These two beautiful sacraments go hand in hand. There is much Joy to be had in receiving reconciliation prior to receiving Him so we maximize the privilege of the loving and merciful encounters with Jesus. He comes to Heal, to Forgive and to Love. We simply need to Let Him in.
“Not a reward for perfection but food for the journey”
What a beautiful and hopeful description!
Fr John such a blessing to read your words on receiving Communion, I am most ready to receive Communion when I am most aware of my imperfection and conscious of my need for.Jesus.
Spot on. And belief to read for those of us of a certain vintage who still deal with the hangover of a more negative style of ministry (which of course those ministers felt was all for our good).
Fr John- that was a beautiful explanation of the Eucharistic liturgy and its importance in our Catholic life. During my life-long Catholicism, I really have not given too much attention in the past to the communion procession we participate in at each Mass and its important both individual and communal dimensions. Thank you for pointing this out. Yes, we should encourage all our Mass-goers to receive communion when they can and also precede this with reconciliation when they can. I am enjoying your daily reflections during this Lenten season. Food for thought!