“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him...”
-Luke 24:30-31
Why do we celebrate the Eucharist?
Quite simply and beautifully but also mysteriously, the Lord Jesus gave himself to us in bread and wine. With the disciples who remained with Jesus at Capernaum, we follow in wonder the Savior who said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him” (John 6:56). By this great mystery, Jesus keeps his promise: “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
At Saint Gregory’s we never speak as if Jesus is absent. We give thanks that in baptism and in the Holy Eucharist (also known as the Mass, the Lord’s Supper, and the Holy Communion) he is truly present in the gifts of bread and wine and among the baptized faithful. This, for us, is the beginning of our life. Having received Jesus in the Eucharist, we now share his love and desire for the poor and the marginalized. Having received Jesus, we want to spread the gospel, bringing all into the love of God.
Who can receive the Eucharist?
It is the Lord’s express desire that everyone receive him in the Eucharist. His words to the disciples were “take, eat,” not “some of you take, eat.” This is the desire of the Lord and of all Christians of good will. Nonetheless, as Paul taught, each of us must carefully “discern the body” so that we do not eat and drink to our judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29). That is, we must be able to see each other and behave toward each other as true brothers and sisters.
The Church has always taught that the normal path to receiving Communion is through baptism in the Name of the Trinity. In baptism you are born again into life in Christ and are only then ready to receive the life-giving food. It is impossible to eat before being born.
Thus, it is the practice of this Parish to welcome to the Altar all Christians baptized in the Name of the Trinity and who acknowledge in faith the Lord’s real presence in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Also, they should be communicants in good standing with their own churches.
For all Christians (visitors or members) who are drawing near to the Lord in the Holy Communion, it does well to remember Paul’s teaching that “if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31). That is, before Mass, everyone should prepare in self-examination and repentance, taking advantage of the sacrament of confession to a priest. We should draw near to the holy gifts in reverence and wonder, returning God’s mercy with amendment of life.
