SOME PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR EUCHARISTIC REVERENCE
Since celebrating and receiving the Eucharist is the most important thing we do in our lives as Catholic Christians, here are some practical guidelines for reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament.
How important is the Mass?
At Mass we are nourished by the inspired word of God during the Liturgy of the Word, and offer the Eucharistic sacrifice and are fed by Jesus’ Body and Blood during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which is why it is the very center of our lives as Catholic Christians–nothing we do is more important–and why it is a grave obligation for us to observe the Third Commandment (“Keep holy the Lord’s Day”) by attending Mass faithfully every Sunday.
Yet, more than an obligation, it’s an invitation: Jesus invites us to gather in his house, in the consecrated holy place of his church, to receive him in word and in sacrament, and to worship with our brothers and sisters in faith. What could be more wonderful than that?!
Who may receive Holy Communion at Mass?
Catholic Christians who have received their First Holy Communion and who are properly disposed (see below) may receive the Eucharist.
Since receiving Holy Communion requires faith in Jesus’ real presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament–the belief that it is not just a symbol but truly his Body and Blood–only Catholics may receive the Eucharist at Mass.
The once exception to that rule is Orthodox Christians, who share our same faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Since we do not share the same Eucharistic faith and are not in communion with other Christians, not to mention non-Christians, we do not admit them to Holy Communion: that would imply a communion–a unity in belief and worship–which sadly does not exist among us, and for which we must pray and work.
If you have a non-Catholic guest joining you at Mass, please be sure to explain these principles to them.
What is the proper practical preparation for attending Mass?
Going to Mass is not just something else we do: again, it’s the most important event, the most sacred duty, in our lives. May that truth inform our practical preparation for it.
Punctuality.
In order to transition well from the busy-ness of the world to focus on the sacred liturgy, it’s important to get to Mass on time–which means before it begins.
Let us enter into a spirit of recollection for Mass by arriving early and prayerfully preparing for what we are about to receive: the Lord himself, in word and in sacrament.
Attire.
Unfortunately, the practice of wearing our “Sunday best” to honor the Lord at Mass seems to have waned–and, frankly, sometimes people wear things which are inappropriate for such a sacred event.
People say to me: “Padre, God doesn’t care what I wear to Mass!” That may be true. The question is: “Do you care what you wear to Mass?” Do you care more what you wear to a job interview, or to an outdoor wedding, or to a golf club (where you have to wear a shirt with a collar) than you do to the most sacred thing in your life? We dress up–or at least dress smartly–for less important things: why would we dress down for Mass?
Flip flops belong at the pool and beach, while athletic clothes and shoes belong at the gym or sporting event: they are not appropriate for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Surely we can show respect for the Lord by wearing at least “business casual”–if not “Sunday best”–to Mass to show Him how important the holy event is to us.
What is the proper spiritual disposition for Catholics to receive Holy Communion?
Communicants must fast from all but water and medicine for one hour before receiving Holy Communion. This is to prepare a place for the Lord, and to remember that what we receive in Holy Communion is no ordinary food.
Communicants must be in a state of grace, free from serious (grave, mortal) sin. It is sinful itself to receive the Eucharist in a state of sin, inasmuch as one’s soul is not properly prepared to receive the perfect gift of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is generously available at the parish for those who seek to be reconciled to the Lord and restored to a state of grace.
Let nobody guess or judge at Communion time why any person does not receive Holy Communion.
What is the proper way, logistically, to receive Holy Communion?
When approaching in line, while the person ahead of you receives Holy Communion, show reverence for what you are about to receive by bowing your head. Then, step forward and receive either in the hand or on the tongue.
If receiving on the hand:
Make a profession of faith by saying a clear “Amen!”
Make a throne for the Lord by placing one hand under the other, hold your hands high at the level of your heart, receive the host, step to the side, then receive Holy Communion using the underneath hand.
Always use two hands; if one hand is occupied (with a cane, or carrying a baby), then receive on the tongue–do not “pop” Holy Communion into your mouth as if it were a snack!
If receiving on the tongue:
Make a profession of faith by saying a clear “Amen!”
Open your mouth, and extend tongue outside your mouth.
Parents, please review these logistics with your children.
Once again, attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receiving Holy Communion is not just something else we do: it is the very center of our lives, the most important thing we do as Catholics. May we always be fully conscious of what we’re celebrating & receiving, and so be properly prepared and disposed.