Fasting Before Holy Communion

[Carnanc]

ok today on our way to daily Mass my sister ate a bowl of cereal in the car, so it was obviously less that an hour from recieving at Mass. I didn't say anything such as telling her that she should decide if she should recieve, I didn't because I know I am overly scrupulous at times and don't want to uncharitably express my sometimes exagerated and irrational sensitivity to sin. I usually only mention the communion fast when it involves myself, such is if someone wants to give me food before Mass. so i'm unsure, I know its the spirit of the fast sometimes over an actual hour, but is eating right before Mass often or always objectivly grave sin? and such as in cases like this how do I know when I should say something to someone, especially when and how to do so charitably, and when not to.?

[cappie]

From Canon Law

Can. 919 §1 Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine.

From the Catechism:

1386 Before so great a sacrament, the faithful can only echo humbly and with ardent faith the words of the Centurion: "Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea" ("Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul will be healed.").219 And in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom the faithful pray in the same spirit:


O Son of God, bring me into communion today with your mystical supper. I shall not tell your enemies the secret, nor kiss you with Judas' kiss. But like the good thief I cry, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
1387 To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.


There is really no clear cut answer from reading the above. When I was a child you had firstly to fast from midnight, then it was changed to three hours now to one hour before Communion. The whole point is to prepare worthly to receive Holy Communion. As the second part of the quote from the Catechism says all things we do bodily gestures etc should convey the respect, joy and solemnity of the moment.

I think you have a duty none the less to make people aware of the Church's law in this regard.