Annotation CCLXI

”But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of that bread.” — 1 Corinthians 11:28

Whether before communion it is necessary to confess [one's] sins.

Thomas Cajetan, in the commentaries on this passage: “PAUL,” he says, “by saying ‘And so,’ signifies that, for taking the Eucharist not unworthily, it suffices that a man have proved himself.” And hence an argument is drawn: that it is not necessary, simply and absolutely, that a man be proved [approved] by a confessor to this [end], that he take the Eucharist not unworthily. Ambrose of Compsa, [in] the fifth book of the Annotations, reproves the man [Cajetan], because both here he hinted, and in the Summula on Sins wrote more openly, that it is not necessary that one conscious to himself of mortal sin confess it before the reception of the Eucharist, even if he have the opportunity of a confessor. Which assertion the same Ambrose refutes by a long disputation, as a matter too dangerous. But the Synod of Trent, session 13, canon six, condemns the same error in these words: “LEST so great a sacrament be taken unworthily, and therefore unto death and condemnation, the holy synod itself establishes and declares, that for those whom the conscience of mortal sin burdens — however much also they may esteem themselves contrite — the opportunity of confession being had, sacramental confession must necessarily be premised [made beforehand]. But if anyone shall have presumed to teach, preach, or pertinaciously assert the contrary, or even to defend [it] by disputing publicly: let him, by that very [fact], be excommunicate.”