03/06/2023
What's the difference between Grave/Mortal Sin & Venial Sin? And can I receive the Eucharist when I have committed them? Perfect explanation here:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=750105413156340&id=100044706631406&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6
It is true, as some say, that the Holy Eucharist is not a “prize for the perfect,” but rather is medicine and nourishment for the weak.
And this is why those in the state of mortal sin should not receive the Eucharist before first having their sins absolved in the sacrament of confession/reconciliation. This is because:
1) Mortal sin *kills* the life of grace in the soul (CCC 1861) rendering it dead, spiritually speaking. This is why grave sin has always been called “mortal” or “deadly” (1 John 5:17).
2) Venial sin *weakens* the life of grace in the soul, but does not extinguish it altogether. Thus, being in the state of grace with venial sins is the exact definition of one who is weak and needs medicine and nourishment. Though weak, he/she still has sanctifying grace and therefore is capable of being healed.
3. A soul dead in mortal sin can neither be healed nor nourished by the Eucharist. The sacrament of confession restores the life of grace to the soul making it capable once again of being nourished and further healed. Before that happens, though, giving the Holy Eucharist to someone in the state of mortal sin is like spooning food into the mouth of a co**se. It's not going to help. In fact, it makes his condition worse by the sacrilege (see 1 Cor. 11:27-30).
