Question 143: What Is Expected Of You When You Receive The Eucharist?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 143: What is expected of you when you receive the Eucharist?

When I receive the Eucharist, I am expected to come in sincere repentance, steadfast faith, and brotherly love. I must examine my heart, confess my sins, trust in Christ’s mercy, and seek to live in peace with God and my neighbor. The sacrament must be received with reverence and gratitude, discerning the Lord’s Body and responding with worship and obedience. (1 Corinthians 11:27–29, Matthew 5:23–24, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Hebrews 10:22, Psalm 139:23–24)

Full Scripture References

“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” — 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 (BSB)

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23–24 (BSB)

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (BSB)

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…” — Hebrews 10:22 (BSB)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

When I come to the Lord’s Table, I must come with a heart that is humble, repentant, and filled with faith in Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is not a common meal, nor is it received casually or carelessly. It is a holy mystery in which Christ gives Himself to His people. Therefore, I must examine myself, confess my sins, and come trusting in His mercy, not my worthiness.

I am also called to come in love and reconciliation with others. Scripture warns against partaking in the sacrament “unworthily”—that is, without discerning the Body of Christ, both in the elements and in the Church. If I harbor resentment, division, or unrepented sin, I dishonor Christ’s Body and put myself at spiritual risk. The Eucharist calls me to honesty before God, charity toward my neighbor, and gratitude for the cross.

The Book of Common Prayer prepares us for Communion with prayers of confession, assurance of pardon, and the Peace—reminding us that we are to be reconciled to God and to one another before receiving. Article XXV affirms that sacraments are “effectual signs of grace,” but they are not effectual unless received rightly—by those who approach with faith and repentance.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “He who comes to the Lord’s Table should come thoughtfully and prayerfully. Let him come with a heart that mourns sin, clings to the cross, and longs for more of Christ” (Knots Untied, 1874).

Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) explains, “The Eucharist demands honesty. We don’t come to impress or perform—we come to surrender, to be cleansed and made new. The Table is for the hungry, not the proud” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).

Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) teaches, “To receive worthily is not to be sinless—it is to be penitent. It is to recognize the holiness of the meal and the mercy of the Host. The only unworthy way to come is without faith and repentance” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Before you eat the bread and drink the cup, ask the Spirit to search your heart. Lay your burdens down, and come to Jesus—He will meet you with healing and strength” (Communion Meditation, 2022).

Therefore, I am expected to come to the Eucharist with reverence, repentance, and faith—ready to receive Christ with a grateful heart and a life that desires to follow Him.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Do not approach with stained hands or a heart divided. Come with faith, with a clean conscience, and with love toward all—for it is truly the Body and Blood of Christ you receive.” — Catechetical Lectures, 23.15

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Prepare your heart before you receive. Be reconciled with your brother. Come not as one worthy, but as one washed in mercy.” — Sermon 272

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “No one should come to the Table with anger or impurity in the soul. If you are not ready to forgive, you are not ready to receive.” — Homilies on Matthew, 82.6

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Only those who believe the Gospel, have been baptized, and live as Christ taught are permitted to partake of the Eucharist.” — First Apology, 66

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)