44. A Catholic Sacrament

We withhold communion from non-Catholics, not only because we are told to refrain, but, because communion is a sign of unity. Receiving communion signifies an acceptance of what the Church believes and preaches. It is a sign that we are in union with the whole Church. To receive as a non-believer, is to be in contradiction to what one believes. We say, "Amen," to the whole Christ, both to his head and to his members. We are saying, "I belong." Several years ago, at an anniversary Mass, a young priest was counting numbers to receive communion. When he came to a Lutheran associate, he included him as well. In response, the man said, "I am not receiving." He knew better than the priest that there was a difference; otherwise, he would not remain a Lutheran. He did not believe all that his Catholic friends held as true. The Eucharist is not meant to be an extension of kindness! You cannot express the sign of unity if you are not united.