Second Way to Stymie Grace

There are four principal ways in which we can stymie the flow of grace that is available to use in the Eucharist. [This is the presentation of the second way and two others will follow in subsequent articles].

 Infrequent Reception of the Eucharist

The second way in which we stymie the grace available to us in the sacrament of the Eucharist is by receiving Communion infrequently. As previously described, the first way in which we can stymie grace refers to quality; this second way refers to quantity – the number of times in a given period that a person receives Communion. Pope John Paul II has reminded us that in normal situations anyone who calls himself or herself a good Catholic should receive Communion at least once a week.

In John 6:57 Jesus says, “Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me” (NAB). The word “feeds” implies an ongoing action, and this is precisely what Jesus meant. We need to feed our bodies at regular and frequent intervals in order to sustain life and enjoy full health. We cannot nourish our bodies at sporadic intervals without eventually suffering some deterioration in our physical condition. The same principle applies to our spiritual being. We cannot feed on the Bread of Life at infrequent intervals and flourish spiritually. On the contrary, we need to receive Jesus the Eucharist frequently to sustain the flow of grace needed to nourish us spiritually and to transform the potential spiritual energy of the sacrament into actual spiritual energy.

This excerpt is from the book The Healing Power of the Eucharist, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Books, an imprint of St. Anthony Messenger Press. This and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.