Are You in a State of Grace?

A person who was considering becoming an EM (Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist), approached a priest because of a feeling of unworthiness. The priest responded by pointing out that no one is worthy according to their merit, and only worthy through God’s grace. The centurion’s prayer (O Lord I am not worthy) that is said just before receiving communion applies to the minister as well. He continued by saying a good rule of thumb to go by is that if you are in a state of grace, you can receive as well as distribute (with the proper delegation). The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the relationship between sin (mortal and venial) and grace:

“1861    Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ’s kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back. However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God. (1742, 1033)”

The remedy for being deprived of sanctifying grace through Mortal Sin is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “full knowledge” and “complete consent” must accompany the act of committing a “grave offense”, and a good confessor can shed light on whether a sin is mortal or venial. In either case, the frequent confession of any sin that “impede the soul’s progress” is advisable. The Catechism further states:

1863    Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created goods; it impedes the soul’s progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good; it merits temporal punishment. Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin. However venial sin does not break the covenant with God. With God’s grace it is humanly reparable. “Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness.”134 (1394, 1472)”

Are you in a state of Grace? If so, proceed in friendship with God and avail yourself of His sanctifying grace. If not, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is as close as the nearest Catholic Church.