Today is his Feast Day. Here he explains a fact, forgotten by many, that we may not approach the Sacrament if we are in a state of mortal sin.
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
St. Cyprian, a 3rd-century bishop, briefly explained who should approach the altar for Holy Communion.In a Treatise on the Lord’s Prayer, the 3rd-century bishop St. Cyprian briefly explains who should receive Holy Communion.
He explains, "Now, we who live in Christ and receive his eucharist, the food of salvation, ask for this bread to be given us every day. Otherwise we may be forced to abstain from this communion because of some serious sin."
St. Cyprian teaches a fundamental truth about the reception of Holy Communion. For him, it is a sacrament to be given to those "who live in Christ" and who have not committed a "serious sin."
He adds that, "Clearly they possess life who approach his body and share in the Eucharistic communion."
What's interesting is the way St. Cyprian adds, "For this reason we should be apprehensive and pray that no one has to abstain from this communion, lest he be separated from the body of Christ and be far from salvation."
As Christians, we should desire that everyone can participate in Holy Communion and actively pray that any obstacles to Communion be removed.
However, the truth remains that serious sin can prevent us from Holy Communion and the way to remove that sin is through the sacrament of confession.
May we look at ourselves and any sin that may prevent us from receiving the Eucharist and pray that everyone else will similarly be able to share at the Table of the Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.