The Fruits
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
The Seven Effects of Holy Communion (1391-1398)
Holy Communion has the following seven effects:
- Increases our union with Christ - "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him" (Jn 6:56). "He who eats me, will live because of me" (Jn 6:57). "Life and resurrection are conferred on whoever receives Christ" (Syriac Office of Antioch). The flesh of the risen Christ increases our baptismal life of grace.
- Separates us from sin - Since Christ's body was "given for us" and his blood was shed "for the forgiveness of sins," the Eucharist cleanses past sins and preserves from future sins. Because the blood is "poured out for the forgiveness of sins, I should always receive it, so it may always forgive my sins. Because I always sin, I should always have a remedy" (St. Ambrose).
- Wipes away venial sins - The Eucharist gives us a living charity which wipes away venial sins. Also, Christ helps us to break our disordered attachments. "Having received this gift of love, let us die to sin and live for God" (St. Fulgentius of Ruspe).
- Preserves us from future mortal sin - The Eucharist is not directly ordered to the forgiveness of mortal sins. This is proper to the sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Brings about the Unity of the Mystical Body - By Communion, the person's baptismal incorporation into the Church is deepened. "Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread" (1 Cor 10:16-17). "You hear the words ‘the Body of Christ' and respond ‘Amen.' Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true" (St. Ambrose).
- Commits us to the poor - Receiving Communion demands that we recognize Christ in the poor. "You have tasted the Blood of the Lord, yet you do not recognize your brother" (St. John Chrysostom).
- Brings about the unity of Christians - "O sign of unity! O bond of charity." The painful experience of Church division which breaks common Eucharistic participation makes our prayers for unity even more urgent.
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