Reception Of Communion Question

[tinytherese]

I read this one passage in a book, with information in it that I've never read anywhere else before. The part in bold is what I wonder is true or not regarding receiving The Lord in a state of mortal sin.

"If you are in doubt about whther or not you're in the state of grace, don't receive communion. Go to confession as soon as possible, and then receive in good conscience. [b]If, however, you would cause scandal to others by not going to communion, you could receive the Eucharist provided you make an act of contrition and resolve to go to confession as soon as possible."[/b]

[cappie]

Not knowing the book the quote comes from, I really can't comment on it's context. However a few thoughts. Firstly if there is doubt whether one is in the state of grace, then the first part of the advice can be taken as correct, although some would say, if there is genuine doubt then there is a case for going to communion then and there and then maybe going to confession to sort out the whole thing.

The second comment I would make comes from the Catholic Encyclopedia: "He who has fallen into grievous sin must either make an act of perfect contrition or supplement the imperfect contrition by receiving the Sacrament of Penance; otherwise reconciliation with God is impossible. This obligation urges under pain of sin when there is danger of death. In danger of death, therefore, if a priest be not at hand to administer the sacrament, the sinner must make an effort to elicit an act of perfect contrition. The obligation of perfect contrition is also urgent whensoever one has to exercise some act for which a state of grace is necessary and the Sacrament of Penance is not accessible."

The idea of scandal may come into play, such as a Lector, Extraordinary Minister, prominent member of the parish.....