Xxxiii. Of The Effects Of The Sacrament Of The Holy Eucharist
XXXIII. OF THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
(A)
Are there any special effects of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
Yes, the Holy Eucharist produces in the soul the treasures of grace that are ordained to man's salvation.
Whence is derived this efficacy of the Holy Eucharist?
This efficacy is derived principally from the fact that it contains really and truly the presence of Jesus Christ Himself, who is the author of all grace that leads to salvation. It is derived also from this, that it is the sacrament of the Passion of our Lord which is the cause of our salvation. It is derived also from the particular way in which we participate in the sacrament by receiving the body and blood of our Lord as nourishment. Lastly, it is derived from the fact that it represents the unity of the mystical body of Christ (LXXIX. 1).
Is it owing to these causes that the attainment of heaven is a special effect of this sacrament?
Yes, because Jesus Christ died that we might reach heaven; and the Holy Eucharist is a figure of heaven's banquet (LXXIX. 2).
(B)
Is the remission of mortal sin an effect of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
There is no doubt that this sacrament has the virtue to remit all mortal sins, since it contains Jesus Christ Himself; but since our Lord is in this sacrament under the form of spiritual food and since food is given only to the living, if anyone receive this sacrament in the state of mortal sin he cannot receive the effect of the sacrament. But if anyone approaches this sacrament believing in good faith that he is in the state of grace, whereas he is not, then the Holy Eucharist will blot out the sin (LXXIX. 3).
(C)
Does this sacrament remit venial sin?
Yes, for it is a food which restores and refreshes the soul; and it compensates for little defects of the love of God which every venial sin implies (LXXIX. 4).
(D)
Does this sacrament remit all punishment due to sin?
As a sacrament its direct effect is not to remit the punishment due to sin but to restore spiritually by a renewal of fervour which unites the sonl to our Lord. But by concomitance and by reason of the fervour of love it produces, indirectly it remits the punishment due to sin, not in its entirety, but according to the degree of fervour and devotion which is caused in the soul. As a sacrifice in so far as the victim of Calvary is offered to God this sacrament has the power of expiation; but this depends upon the amount of devotion with which one offers the Victim to God. This is the reason why even as a sacrifice, although it is of infinite value, its effect is not to remit all punishment due to sin but only to do so according to the measure of one's fervour and devotion (LXXIX. 5).
(E)
Does this sacrament preserve man from future sin?
Yes; and this is one of its direct and most wonderful effects; for it fortifies man interiorly against all that might endanger his life as a Christian. As the sacrament of the Passion of Jesus Christ, it is a sign that puts to flight the devils who were conquered by the Passion (LXXIX. 6).
(F)
Has this sacrament any effect upon others apart from those who reccive it?
Considered as a sacrament that refreshes the soul spiritually it has an effect upon him only who receives it. But as a sacrament of the Passion of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice it can have an effect upon those for whom it is offered up according as they are in the state to receive the fruit thereof (LXXIX. 7).
(G)
Do venial sins impede the effect of this sacrament?
If venial sin is committed at the moment of receiving the sacrament, for instance if one is wilfully distracted, or the heart is occupied with other things, there is an effect of the sacrament which is necessarily impeded; and it is that spiritual sweetness, all divine, attaching to the reception of the sacrament. But there is always a certain increase of habitual grace produced in the soul. If, however, it be question of past venial sins, there is no impediment whatsoever to any effect of the sacrament provided one approaches it with the proper fervour and devotion (LXXIX. 1).