Many Christians are constantly in search of
closeness with God, in constant search of care, comfort and warmth. Some seek
this closeness by helping others and participating in community service. Others
travel from church to church, ministry to ministry in a quest to find this
special bond their hearts are yearning for. Yet after relentless pursuits, they
are left broken hearted and unfulfilled. What is it that will specifically draw
us closer to God? How can this closeness with God actually be achieved? There
are two perfect sacraments that bring us closer to God, that we are fortunate
enough to receive over and over again for all eternity. Reconciliation
(confession) and Holy Eucharist (Communion) are the sacraments that specifically
connect us with God and Christ. It is with this union that weaker relationships
can be strengthened and stronger relationships can be reinforced.
Reconciliation or confession is the sacrament that
allows us to admit our sins without shame, ridicule or judgment from man. In
essence, during that time we are free from worldly obligations and other
commotions that distract us from God. Too often enough, confession is regarded
as the most dreaded sacrament. In turn it becomes routine and mundane, saved for
predetermined times of the year including Lent, preparation for Confirmation or
simply when we feel as if our guilt overwhelms us. In turn confession loses its
Holiness. As Catholics, many of us have forgotten how beneficial the act of
confession can be to our faith and to our spiritual well being. Confession is
our chance to have an open and honest dialogue with God about faults and
failures. We are able to lay down the heavy burdens that rest upon our hearts
and accept peace and purity in return. It seems that we forget that our God is a
forgiving God, He wants to forgive us. All we have to do is confess our sins,
and ask for it. God is always ready and willing to forgive those who truly seek
Him.
After our sins are absolved and our souls are
refreshed and anew, we are able to approach the altar and partake in the most
cherished, most Holy and most humbling sacrament that is Holy Eucharist, or Holy
Communion. Receiving Holy Communion is the most intimate connection we can have
with Christ. Most of us received our First Communions at an early age, but there
are still many of us who do not fully understand what Holy Communion really is.
To Protestants, Communion is the simple act of consubstantiation that is
receiving bread and juice as a mere symbolic act of Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
However to us Catholics, Holy Communion is not merely symbolic, nor is it a
representation. It is transubstantiation, the changing of bread and wine into
the Body and Blood of Christ. It how we accept Christ into our bodies, minds and
spirits. It is how we know, that our sins will always be forgiven and we will
have everlasting life. Receiving Holy Communion, Christ's most perfect sacrifice
is also what bonds us closer to Him. Christ allows us to receive His Body and
Blood repeatedly and for all eternity no matter how many times we sin, or fall
short of our ultimate goals. We are not obligated to wait until the first Sunday
of the month, or a special occasion to receive it. We can receive the Body and
Blood of Christ anytime we need a blessing or a healing, or whenever we feel the
desire to be close to Christ. We can take comfort in Holy Communion, knowing
that Christ is watching over us and guiding us day by day. Holy Communion should
not be a robotic act, nor should it be taken lightly. It is to be received
reverently and regularly. Most importantly, it should be received with a clean
heart. Approaching the altar to accept Holy Communion, with malice, guilt or
shame in our hearts is not only unacceptable, but disrespectful. It cheapens the
sacredness of the most Blessed Sacrament.
During the Lenten season especially we are called to
remember why these two sacraments are essential to our faith and beliefs.
Confessing our sins freely, faithfully and often, helps us avoid carrying guilt
and shame in our hearts that can block out Christ. Receiving Holy Communion
draws us to closer to Christ and the understanding of His sacrifice. Confession
and Holy Communion are not only reverent Sacraments, but are Blessed acts as
well.
