Frequency and Disposition in the Reception of the Sacraments

Frequent reception of the sacraments with the proper disposition will give us an increase in grace.

Jesus has given us the sacraments as channels of grace. There are two sacraments that we can receive frequently: Confession and the Eucharist. Why deprive ourselves of sources of grace that are readily available. The grace of the sacraments are infinite. If we know the graces available to us in the Eucharist we would attend daily Mass. Yet many not only do not go to daily Mass but also do not go to Sunday Mass. 

Not only is the frequency of reception important but the manner in which they are received will in part determine the amount of grace we receive.

The Catechism tells us, "The fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them (CCC1128)."

If we are distracted or otherwise not in the proper disposition, we would receive less grace than if we were attentive and filled with faith, love and gratitude. That is why when we receive Communion, it is important to make a conscious effort to focus and to have faith in the Real Presence of Jesus and his power to transform us.  After receiving, we should savor the gift and speak to Jesus from our hearts, giving thanks and praise for his love and goodness...Then we will have an overflowing of graces. Try to maintain this awareness of Jesus being intimately united to us for as long as possible.

The sacramental graces offer gifts that are unique to the individual sacraments. The Eucharist is often called the sacrament of love, and communion. The Eucharist unites us to one another and to Christ. It helps us to grow in charity. The Eucharist is also called spiritual nourishment or food for the journey. So the graces strengthen us and conforms us to Christ and gives us the strength to persevere in holiness.

Similarly with the Sacrament of Confession. Many people are intimidated by this sacrament of God's mercy and love. They are afraid to go to confession for one reason or another. Perhaps they had a bad experience with a priest. But we should try to overcome  these obstacles that may be keeping us from receiving forgiveness, healing and the grace to avoid falling into sins. Reconciliation is a powerful sacrament that liberates us, heals us and brings us closer to God. 

So how often should you go to confession? First, you should go as soon as possible after committing a mortal sin. A mortal sin is something that is serious, we know it is serious and we do it any way. There may be mitigating circumstances to reduce the culpability. But if it is not clear, you can ask a priest or err on the side of going to confession. Even without committing a mortal sin, we should go to confession at least once a month, to confess venial sins and imperfections. Regular confessions help us to be more aware of our sins, to be contrite for them and to strive for holiness.

It is also important to note that scrupulosity - the tendency to think that something is a sin when it is not - is not healthy. We should have a healthy awareness of our sins and to be contrite and go to confession. But not have a preoccupation or anxiety that we are sinning when we are not. The enemy can push a person to the extreme, where it is not healthy. 

The grace of the sacrament of Confession is healing. It heals us from the wounds caused by sin. It restores our relationship with God and with one another. It is also cleansing: wiping our sins away and giving us a fresh start. It also frees us from sins and helps us to avoid falling into sins in the future. 

Again the disposition is important. Taking time to examine our conscience is essential to making a good confession. Then being truly sorry for our sins. Contrition is necessary and the more contrite we are the better. Try to think of how good God is to us, yet we keep sinning against him. Saying the Act of Contrition is a good way to cultivate a sense of sorrow of our sins. Then making an amendment to avoid the near occasion of sin helps us to desire and take steps to avoid committing the same sins again. Then as we are being absolved, be grateful for God's mercy and thank him from your heart and be joyful.

Another way to receive graces is Adoration, or praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is a prolongation of the Mass. Adoring and praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a great way for us to grow closer to Jesus. Praying is essential, but praying in the presence of Blessed Sacrament is more efficacious. The Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated host is par excellence as compared to the other ways in which he is present to us such as in Scripture and in the gathering of two or more. When we are in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, we receive more graces than if we are not. 

We know from the Acts of the Apostles that after Jesus instituted the Eucharist, the early Christians gathered regularly for the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). We can imagine that Mary participated in the breaking of bread and that she received the Eucharist with reverence, faith, and love, uniting herself to Christ and the will of the Father. Mary had the perfect disposition to receive all the possible graces from the Eucharist. 

Therefore, we too should imitate Mary in receiving the Eucharist often with attention, faith and love. Moreover, we also have the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and should go to Confession regularly with the proper disposition. And lastly, with the gift of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle or exposed during Adoration, we should spend time adoring and praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. When we avail ourselves of the sacraments, God will pour out his graces upon us.