Periodically there are news items about this or that bishop refusing to give communion to a particular politician. The stated reason for such a refusal is that his political decisions are in opposition to the Church’s teachings and thus he does not deserve Holy Communion. In contrast, Pope Francis has been stressing that receiving Holy Communion is not a reward for being good but medicine to heal the sin-sick soul. In this the Holy Father echoes the words of Jesus: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick.” Every time we receive we pray “Lord, I am not worthy.” The Eucharist is not a litmus test of faith but the nourishment for the Christian people as we strive for true conversion.
JULY72017
By Church Staff
