Ways of Participating in the Paschal Mystery

Through participation in the Eucharist, we also more difficult for us to break our union with him by participate in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, that is, mortal sin. in his dying and rising, which is made present for us Holy Communion expands the life of the Church. in the Eucharistic sacrifice. This participation in the The Church as a communion is bound ever more Paschal Mystery of Christ reaches its consummation closely together through the celebration of the Eucha- when we receive his Body and Blood in Holy Commu- rist. As an ancient axiom states, the Church makes nion. Christ’s victory and triumph over death is then the Eucharist, and the Eucharist makes the Church. made present in the lives of those who participate in In receiving Communion, we are more fully united to the Eucharist. the Church. Holy Communion increases our union with Holy Communion commits us to care for the Christ. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood poor. St. Paul reminded the Corinthians that in shar- remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56). Communion ing the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, they were also with the Body of Christ preserves, increases, and called to care for the poorer members of the commu- renews the life of grace received at Baptism. nity (cf. 1 Cor 11:17-34). Holy Communion separates us from sin. We Participation in the celebration of the Eucharistic receive the Body of Christ “given up for us” to save sacrifice is a source and means of grace even apart us from sin. We receive the Blood of Christ “shed for from the actual reception of Holy Communion. It has many for the forgiveness of sins.” Our love of God is also been long understood that when circumstances intensified and therefore our disordered attachments prevent one from receiving Holy Communion during are weakened and even broken. Divine love wipes Mass, it is possible to make a spiritual communion away venial sins. that is also a source of grace. Spiritual communion Holy Communion offers us strength, called means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s grace, to preserve us from mortal sin. By deepening sacrifice and worshiping him present in his Body our friendship with Christ, this Sacrament makes it and Blood.

This article is an excerpt from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, copyright © 2006, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. Scripture excerpts used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, Revised Edition, © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved.