OK. Maybe this is slightly off topic, but as I have always understood it, in the RC Church, the sacraments convey some type of saving grace.
If this is the case, then a denial of communion would be the same as sentencing a man to hell. Is this an inaccurate statement?
If it is not, would somebody please explain what effect a denial of communion would have upon the sinner?
If is is, isn’t this a lot of power for God to give to mortal man?
I’m not trying to pick a fight here, but I have never been able to pin this answer down.
Thanks.
Honest questions are appreciated.
I have always understood it, in the RC Church, the sacraments convey some type of saving grace. If this is the case, then a denial of communion would be the same as sentencing a man to hell. Is this an inaccurate statement?
Excommunication is a denial of the Sacraments. The Sacraments are the normative and sure means of receiving grace, but not the only way, since God is not bound by the Sacraments.
According to the Catechism:
1463 Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them. In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication.The primary purpose is not to punish, but to make the impenitent sinner aware of the gravity of his sin and the risk to his salvation.
In effect, what the Church is saying to the person is, "You are engaging in objectively sinful activity, acts that are endangering your salvation. You will be welcomed back into the Church upon your repentence."
The Church cannot and does not claim to judge the state of the person's soul. However, the Church makes every effort to determine whether the person knows that his actions are sinful, that they contradict Church Teaching, and that he is freely engaging in such acts.
If it is not, would somebody please explain what effect a denial of communion would have upon the sinner?
Denial of the Eucharist would cut the person off from the normal and most sure means of receiving grace. ("If you do not eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life in you.")
Nevertheless, God always offers actual graces, working outside the Sacraments, to bring sinners to repentance.
If is is, isn’t this a lot of power for God to give to mortal man?
Peter and the Apostles were both given the power to "bind and loose." This was a rabbinical saying, meaning "to forbid by an indisputable authority, and to permit by an indisputable authority."
Explanation of Excommunication from the old Catholic Encyclopedia.
Hope that helps.