41. Preparation for Communion

How do we prepare for receiving Christ in holy communion? Returning to the theme of participation, there must be external and internal preparation. Having lived out our Christian discipleship outside the church doors, we must see our weekly involvement in the Mass as the highlight of our life. Indeed, some people who regularly attend daily Mass no longer live from day to day but from Eucharist to Eucharist. The Christian life disposes us to enter into the action of the Mass. Obviously, we need to come in a state of grace (from the Latin word, "gratia"). We are called to share in God's life, sanctifying grace. He has destined us to partake of it. If we approach communion to nurture God's life, then this life must already envelop us. If lost, Confession and a heartfelt act of contrition can restore it. Serious sin is no insignificant matter. It involves turning our wills against God. In such a condition, it would make no sense to receive communion. Our receptivity or capacity to make use of it would be inoperative. You do not give food to the dead.

External preparation is essentially the hour of fasting before communion. It is more of a psychological matter than anything else. More than just penance, the fast reminds us that communion is different from ordinary food. Just a few decades ago, people fasted from midnight on. However, because of the change in people's work hours and lifestyle, the Church mitigated it. After all, receiving communion was more important than fasting.