Is Holy Communion a Right?

Last week, we talked about Holy Communion being a gift and not a right owed to us by God. This may sound like the Church doesn’t want you if you’ve sinned, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is, every one of us is in need of repentance, and there is not one person on this earth who isn’t a sinner. What we need to examine within ourselves is how we can realign our souls back to God and enter a union with him in the Holy Sacrament.

Today, Fr. Mike clarifies some points he made in his last video about Holy Communion, and explains why the Church has always wanted your heart—especially in the midst of sin.

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[ryderisboss]

My friend told me a story once about when he was a younger man. He was in the habit of sleeping around with girls, cheating on girlfriends, trying to pick up girls at nightclubs etc and going to confession before Mass every Sunday so he could receive Holy Communion. One Sunday, he unknowingly went to a TLM parish and went to confession before Mass started. He confessed the same sins he was used to confessing. The Priest asked him if these sins were common for him and he admitted they were, so he refused to absolve him and told him to earnestly repent before trying to receive The Eucharist again. At first, my friend was very upset about what happened. It rocked him so hard that he actually stopped attending Mass for an entire year. Eventually, he realized the Priest was right for doing what he did. My friend started to take his faith seriously. He came back to the Church, changed his ways and became so knowledgeable about the faith that he actually sponsored me in my RCIA class. Denying Holy Communion to those that aren't living in unity with the teachings of the Church can be the most pastoral thing a Priest can do.

[GerackSerack]

When I see someone not taking Holy Communion I don't think "Look, they're in mortal sin" but "Look, that person takes Communion seriously and does not receive it lightly".

[Poultrychick]

I actually called a local Catholic Church today and asked about tonight’s service. They have reconciliation before- but it’s been 20 years for me since my last. 😳 Catechism was not taught well. I feel like a baby in the Church learning what I am suppose to do.

Just going to go for a Blessing for me and my son tonight.

And a Thank You to Father Schmitz. Your Bible in a Year podcast has been such a Blessing.

[yb]

Thank you for not compromising on TRUTH.

[nvrslpsnf]

My Mom is 70. Fell away for 55+ years. We were blessed Monday with my conversion (baptism, confession, confirmation & 1st communion) & she went to confession & recirced the Host alongside of me. Beautiful reconciliation.

[kathyworland]

I remember just before I separated from my ex-husband, knowing he was unfaithful & “committed” to another, having sex one last time. The intimacy of the union was “distorted” & damaged. You are so correct Father Mike. I felt used & destroyed. I can only imagine how Jesus feels when we partake of Him knowing we only want to be faithful in the areas we want to, not totally committed to Him.

[LisaGemini]

Christ was clear to the adulterous woman: Repent and do not sin again. Which means we must surrender to God completely. If we do not, then we can't be forgiven. Otherwise, it's worthless. Thank you, Fr. Mike, for the souls you save and how you educate ALL of us.

[sayyesbibi]

I am orthodox and we need to fast (2 vegan meals per day) 3 days before communion and of course confess just before the mass and communion. When I was living with my boyfriend, I was also denied communion although I was fasting, praying and confessing. I accepted this because I knew my sin. There is no negotiation or compromise with receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus

[juliemachione]

As a married person, that was an analogy I had never thought of before but made so much sense.

[marktapia]

For those who suffer with scrupulosity and mental disorders in conjunction with full disposal (or consumption) of the Holy Eucharist or feeling anxious of whether or not you are allowed to receive Communion without being in an objective state of mortal sin (there is some subjectivity and flexibility in these circumstances) trust in God’s mercy. For those who also struggle with finding and trusting the words of regular confessor, trust in God that what they will say is from Jesus Himself. This is not easy as I struggle with all the time. Know you are not alone.

[luisanaacevedo]

It has been about three years since I have gone to confession. This has led me to look for spiritual answers, but they are not from God. I have recently realized that I must stop my sins, but some of them can be addictive. Thank you to Father Mike for continuing to shed light on these important topics. Once things in my community start to open again, I will make sure to go to confession because it is an important part of my faith. God bless you, Fr. Mike. You are in my prayers. 🙏💕

[estefanivargas]

I’m literally so grateful for Fr. Mike.

He has been someone who ive looked up to. And has encouraged me to live a life to follow our Lord as a true Catholic.

[jojo_mcelwee]

These videos are helping me to understand my religion I was raised in (Catholic) thank you 🙂
From UK (Scotland) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[rachelhaag]

Outstanding video, Father. You speak truth in a time of confusion in the Church. I wish more priests had your courage. You truly care for your flock and their eternal souls.

[jeancamille]

I went to Confession for the first time in 5 or maybe even 13 years (I don’t even remember when it was, that’s how infrequent) — and the Gospel that day was the Parable of the Prodigal Son. That was before Lent, and since then, I’ve gone twice. In conjunction with actually reading the Bible and Catechism, I have never felt more alive and knowledgeable about THE Truth in my entire life. God is waiting for all of us. I pray that everyone comes back to Him; He loves us unfathomably and wants us to so badly. We love You and trust in You, Our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! 🙏🏼❤️🙌🏼

[jesusenvosconfio]

"AND ANOTHER BUS DROVE BY, interrupting this incredible deep moment!" LOL 😆 🤣 😂 I absolutely love your passion for evangelizing. Thank you for your Priesthood Father Mike. We love you and are incredibly blessed and grateful to have you as a Shepherd.

[kathyworland]

God bless you Father Mike! You are such a blessing! I love listening & watching you speak. It is so fun to watch your enthusiasm & Joy. Thank you Jesus for inspiring this humble & obedient servant with Your Spirit-filled Truth.

[catnip]

Father Mike, thank you for the true word. Love listening to your daily "Bible in a Year" on Hallow, these mini lessons help me gain strength in my faith. God Bless you.. Praying for you daily.

[steph-anie]

Fr Mike is so Courageous. Thank for all that you do and for this video.

[peacelove]

Thank you. Because we Love Jesus We must do what is right❤😇