Communion

Often times with these reflections, I try to offer something people have not come across before. Sometimes, though, it is good to go back to the basics. With that in mind, let’s look at some basics about receiving Communion.

The Eucharist is Jesus’ gift of His own Body and Blood as food to feed our souls; it is God’s own Flesh and Blood. Therefore, it is important to prepare for communion every time we intend to receive it. This preparation takes two forms. The first and more important of the two is to be spiritually prepared. This entails being in a state of grace, meaning being free from all mortal sin. If I have committed a mortal sin since my last confession, I should either go to confession before Mass or refrain from receiving. The second form of preparation is to fast. We are supposed to fast from all food and drink (except water) at least an hour before receiving Holy Communion in order to prepare both heart and body for God’s presence to enter.

While the traditional method of receiving Communion on the tongue is still an option, we are also permitted to receive on the hand. However, the emphasis is on receiving, not taking. We should refrain from grabbing the host and allow the priest to place the host in our hand. We should also consume the Host immediately upon receiving rather than stepping to the side or beginning to walk away. There is an inherent risk in receiving Communion on the hand: I have heard too many stories of priests finding Hosts in all sorts of places throughout the church, and I myself have had to stop people from leaving with the Host in hand. We should respect the great gift we are receiving by consuming it right away. 

Finally, take time after you receive to silently say some words of gratitude to God for the Gift you have just received. It does not take more than a couple of minutes for communion to end, the altar to be cleared and to do the final prayer and blessing. What do we really gain by hurrying out the door before Mass has actually ended? 

These simple things are little ways to help us to grow in our devotion and reverence for the gift of our Lord’s Body and Blood!