BLOG POST | Hey Deacon!

Should we run or crawl on our knees to meet Jesus in Holy Communion? Yes!

When we think about who we are about to meet and receive, the essence of this question is true. It is the Lord! Our hearts should be racing, our knees should be shaking. Fortunately for us, the Church provides insight and instructions on how we should reverently receive Jesus in Holy Communion.

The Holy See (the Vatican) allows each country’s conference of bishops to determine the posture used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence each person to be made as he or she receives Communion. In the United States, the USCCB decided that "the norm... is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence….” GIRM 160 (Remember to bow before the Body and the Blood of Christ.)

When it comes to receiving the Body of Christ on the tongue or in the hand, both ways are acceptable. Receiving on the tongue can be an act of humility, but for some, receiving on the hand “makes them feel more connected to Jesus Christ himself.” Most importantly we must receive Jesus reverently.

When receiving in the hand we are to make a “throne” for our Lord. If right-handed, we rest our left hand (flat) atop of the right hand to receive the sacred Host. Then use our right hand to take the Host to our mouth. Reverse that if left-handed. We do not put our hands side by side for fear of Jesus slipping between our hands. If our hands are impeded, such as, carrying a cane or a child in your arms, etc., we should receive on the tongue. We never receive using one hand or reach and grab the Host. We are handling something of great value, we want to be sure to be respectful and reverent.

Whether you receive on the tongue or in the hand, when the priest, deacon, or communion minister holds up the Host (or the Chalice) and says, “The Body (Blood) of Christ,” the communicant answers in a clear voice, “Amen.” It’s an Aramaic word and it means, “So be it.” “I agree.” “I believe.” That’s what the “Amen” means. It is not appropriate to respond differently. Likewise, the minister is not allowed to change the sacred words when presenting the Body or Blood of Christ.

We come to Mass to worship. Our excitement should be like John the Evangelist when he recognizes Jesus on the shoreline after the resurrection, “It is the Lord!” This is what our faith demands. It is the Lord we worship. It is the Lord that we are receiving. It is the Lord who is sanctifying us. This should be the overwhelming disposition with which we approach Holy Communion; “It is the Lord!”





Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn