How do we receive the Body and Blood of Christ?

I had anticipated posting on this Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ about receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.  As soon as I powered up this old glow box this morning, I saw that Deacon Greg, from the Deacon's Bench, had beat me to it.  Here is his article:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2014/06/how-we-receive-holy-communion-a-corpus-christi-reminder/


Now of great interest to me was that Deacon Greg was writing first and foremost for his parish.  But placing this article on his blog, the comments hit the weeds with detour after detour.  Some want to debate immediately the way it should be, as opposed to getting direction from the USCCB and the GIRM.


For me, I thought I would start from the beginning as we discuss Holy Communion.  First, each of us must examine our conscious as we decide to approach the Eucharist.  We are taught, and hopefully still remember, that we are to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, in a state of grace.  Aware of sin, particularly a mortal sin, we must confess sin and be absolved by a Priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion.  How many of us practice this Church taught reality?  Secondly, we should approach Holy Communion having fully participated in the Mass in which we seek to receive.  It is also very commendable to make some act of repentance as we approach and an act of thanksgiving after receiving.


Now the debate that Deacon Greg got to deal with earlier I will now address.  Debate if you must that we should receive Jesus only this way or that way.  The fact remains the normative way to receive Jesus in this country, in these parts and at my parish is in procession, standing, having given a sign of respect which we are told is a simple bow of the head.  Yes, we can receive either on the tongue or in our hands and while standing is normative, you can kneel.  Clerics and EM's are instructed not to admonish or refuse those who steadfastly want to kneel and receive on the tongue.


Now here is a very sincere and heartfelt thought I share.  I know many sincerely reject the idea that receiving Jesus in the hand is even allowed, and that standing is wrong.  I can assure you it is not wrong, but if it really truly bothers you, then kneel and receive on the tongue.  Again, the instructions say no one will deny you the Eucharist if you choose to do so.  But I have encountered some, and have even discussed this with a few, that some do this to impress their piety upon others.  Silly.  Also, the Church allows EM's, you know, lay people certified by the Church to distribute Holy Communion along side Priests and Deacons.  These are used to facilitate large crowds but yes, we can agree that there have been abuses in the use of EM's.  To the EM:  just do what you were instructed to do.  I see EM's doing amazing things that no one authorized or wants them to do.  Fortunately, these are few and far between.  EM's please don't exaggerate holding up the host or chalice and don't bless people in the formula reserved for clergy.


For those of us coming forward for reception, don't be a line jumper.  A line jumper is one who, realizing there is an EM at the head of their line, jumps over to a Priest or Deacon.  While you may desire to receive from clergy, it says more about what you believe about Jesus when you line jump.


Finally, in receiving the Lord, whether on tongue or hand, do so reverently, slowly and carefully so as to not drop any of the sacred host on the floor.  Make sure we are in a posture of reception not taking; never ever snatch or take in the fingers the sacred host.  Under no circumstance delay placing the host in your mouth; do so immediately!  Receiving from the cup, if offered, requires only a sip, not a gulp.  And return to your pew in a spirit of thanksgiving, a word that is actually translated to Eucharist.


Leaving Mass, do so with the understanding that the Eucharistic Jesus is still within you, yes spiritually but also physically.  Understand that the host you consumed takes 20-30 minutes to be fully digested.  Therefore, how do I leave Mass; am I still aware of the physical presence of Jesus within me?


May these reminders be helpful to all of us today as we are mindful of Jesus in Holy Communion on this Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ!