CV NEWS FEED // Cardinal Raymond Burke’s new book, Respecting the Body and Blood of the Lord: When Holy Communion Should Be Denied, offers an examination of when denying Holy Communion can be a form of pastoral charity.
In a September 3 email press release, Sophia Institute Press shared that Cardinal Burke’s work emphasizes that the denial of Communion, rather than being an act of exclusion, is a pastoral act intended to protect the sanctity of the Eucharist and guide the faithful towards a worthy reception of the Sacrament.
Further, the insights from Cardinal Burke’s book provide an accessible analysis of the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist and when someone should be denied receiving the Sacrament, the press release added.
The book, published by Sofia Institute Press, explores the historical and theological foundations of these teachings, drawing on Scripture, writings from Church Fathers, Pope St. John Paul II, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
“In an age of misguided pluralism and doctrinal relativism,” the news report shared, “Cardinal Burke cuts to the core of the issue by breaking open Canon Law 915:
“The excommunicated and interdicted, after the imposition or declaration of the penalty, and others who remain obstinately in manifestly grievous sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”
The updated edition of the book includes commentary by Thomas McKenna, president of Catholic Action for Faith and Family. A few of McKenna’s contributions include the Church’s historical responses to scandal and heresy, the criteria for withholding Communion, and the implications for politicians who support grave sins.
In addition, the news release stated, the book “also explains the reverence we are called to show toward the Blessed Sacrament and how to fully benefit from the graces received at each reception.”
People who read the Cardinal’s new book, the press release stated, “will be inspired by how the Church’s teaching on the proper reception of Holy Communion is an act of pastoral charity designed for the good of the faithful, for our union with one another, and for the salvation of souls!”