Patrick Madrid tackled a listener’s heartfelt concern about receiving the Holy Eucharist, specifically questioning whether it’s necessary to partake in both species—body and blood—to fully receive Jesus. 

 

Here’s the gist of Patrick’s answer:

 

• No Need for Both: You don’t have to consume both Jesus’ body and blood to receive Jesus fully. Each species, by itself, contains Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity, thanks to the miracle of transubstantiation that occurs during Mass. So, whether you receive just the host or just the blood, you are wholly receiving Jesus.

 

• Understanding Utraquism: The concern about needing both forms to fully partake in Jesus is rooted in an old heresy called utraquism. The Church has clarified that receiving in either species is complete in itself.

 

• Practical and Historical Context: Historically, the Church restricted the laity from receiving both His body and blood to combat the heresy and due to practical reasons. However, post-Vatican II reforms have allowed laypeople to receive Jesus under both species.

 

• When to Refrain: The only time you should consider refraining from Holy Communion is if you’re in a state of mortal sin. Otherwise, the Eucharist is meant to be a means of grace and a profound connection with Christ.

 

Patrick encourages the listener (and all of us) to partake with faith in the profound mystery and not to be swayed by misconceptions or feelings that suggest a need to consume both species to fully participate in the sacrament.

 

Approach Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence and love, assuring that no matter the species, we receive all of Him wholly and completely. 

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