If someone doesn't believe the host is Christ's body, does that change what happens when he receives?
The short answer
Christ's presence in the Eucharist does not depend on the communicant. But Christ never forces his love on anyone: without the proper disposition one cannot receive the sacrament's grace and may even receive it sacrilegiously.
Every sacrament is a personal encounter with Jesus, and grace is a share in his life and love. He never forces his love on anyone.
The reality of Christ's presence in the Eucharist does not depend on the state of the communicant's soul. A person can even receive it sacrilegiously. But he cannot receive the sacrament's grace without the proper attitude or disposition. It is like going to a well without a bucket: the water is real, but he leaves with none. Love goes both ways; no one can enter a relationship of love without being willing to love.
Continue exploring
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