I find it odd that people who do not believe in the real presence of the Eucharist would want to partake... what is the point? What is the feeling of entitlement? Look at me I can ingest a piece of meaningless bread? Is it to mock those who do believe?
I have wondered if perhaps it is a feeling of feeling left out by having to stay in the pew while others go up to receive. Priests however will give you a blessing if you approach them with your arms crossed in front of you. Incidentally many Catholics do this when they feel they are not in a state of grace to receive.
Steve, I understand perfectly! Like you, I too absented myself from the Church and the Sacraments for a long time. Ironically, it was a young boy who brought me back when he asked me to be his sponsor for Confirmation. I still vividly recall that day. Walking into the church and watching the procession of confirmandi, attending the Mass and listening to the bishop's homily, all touched my heart profoundly. So much so that I did not want the event to end.
Last Sunday, the front pews in our church were filled with an extended family we had never seen before. The priest welcomed them to the church and explained they had had brought a baby to be baptized. The family members were dressed for a celebration but it soon became obvious that they were unfamiliar with the Mass - they did not even know the Lord's Prayer. When it was time for communion all, except for one young woman, went up to receive. I doubt any one of them was familiar with Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthian 11:27. However, the one young woman, though cajoled by the family, understood that she should not approach.
Steve, whatever obstacle is still holding you back from returning to the Catholic Church, I would encourage you to visit that link and try to resolve it. Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy, to welcome back the lost sheep. I have added you to my daily prayer list.
I can’t help but wonder what your practicing mother has to say, to your lapsed Catholic sister and the protestant brother-in-law, about the dangers to the soul, for receiving our Lord when entirely outside of a state of grace and from outside the Church.
What is it that Catholics and their priests are silent against mortal sin, in these cases, even are complicit in mortal sin?
I believe it is lack of belief in the Real Presence, which is a mortal sin in its own right. Just wondering what you think. Your own respect for the Eucharist is a virtue, my friend.
Receiving the Eucharist unworthily is a grave sin. Your sister and brother in law should not receive Communion.
You are doing the right thing.
BTW, you can always come back to the Catholic Church. Just sit down with the priest and get your questions answered.
Same for your sister.