The Benefits of Receiving Holy Communion

(Plain Text Version)

Today we will look at the benefits of receiving Holy Communion.  Holy Communion nourishes our souls, protects us from serious sin, increases our life of grace, removes venial sin, and gives us spiritual joy.   

Our Souls Must be Fed, Just Like Our Bodies

The nourishment of the body by food and drink is a sign of the nourishment of our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ.  As with all the Sacraments, receiving Christ’s Body and Blood is much more than a symbol.  The worthy reception of Holy Communion keeps us spiritually alive in many ways.

Protection from Serious Sin

We are constantly exposed to temptations in our life on earth.  In our weakened human nature, it is hard to resist them.  Although we need to work hard to resist the attraction of evil, we cannot succeed on our own.  In Holy Communion, we receive strength from God Himself.  Through the grace from Holy Communion, we can succeed where we would otherwise fail.

Holy Communion Increases the Life of Grace

Holy Communion intensifies all the graces we receive from God.  There are many kinds of graces to keep us alive in God and to and to help us to serve Him.  Holy Communion gives us new graces and increases the ones we already have.  We receive this benefit only if we are in the state of grace (Baptized and free of unconfessed mortal sin).

Removal of Venial Sin

When Holy Communion is worthily received, it takes away our venial sins.  Venial sins do not take us out of the state of grace, but they are an obstacle to love of God and love of neighbor.  Venial sins take zeal and enthusiasm out of our spiritual life and make it easier to commit mortal sins. 

The removal venial sin comes from our love of God, which is awakened by reception of Holy Communion.  The greater our love of God, the more we are freed from venial sins.

Spiritual Joy

Holy Communion gives us joy despite our troubles and makes it easier to carry out our duties in life.  It helps us to focus on God’s goodness and to not be bothered by difficulties.  Rather than being a burden, life becomes joyful. 

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