Preparation for Holy Communion
10 Things [1]
8. Confession is part of preparation for Holy Communion.
The frequency of confession is dependent on the individual, and the confessor. Certainly, if one has not been to confession for a long time, they should have confession before they commune.
The three active principals in confession are self-examination, repentance, and forgiveness of sins. This tract cannot go into all details of confession, but citing the Apostle Paul is apropos:
Whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and then let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
The church provides a very safe way for self-examination and useful repentance, to help us to fulfill the admonition of the Apostle.
When confessing to another human being, in the context of a grace filled conversation which includes the priest, the one confessing and Christ, it is easier to avoid the lies we easily tell ourselves when we are alone. These are rarely conscious lies – they are the result of ignorance, borne of our pride and overall spiritual blindness. It is much safer to consider spiritual things with a mentor – a confessor. In addition to a more complete self-examination, the one confessing often receives useful advice which will help them to conquer the sins they wish to repent from.
Again, it must be stressed: It is not correct to determine YOURSELF that you are unworthy of the mystery of the Eucharist. This is the assigned task (from God!) of your confessor.
Come to confession as often as possible, and you will come to appreciate the spiritual “safety” of such a practice.
I greatly desire that everyone in my flock confesses at least monthly.
From St Nicholas Orthodox Church, McKinney Texas – www.orthodox.net
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