Reception of the Holy Eucharist

The Second Vatican Council in its Sacred Constitution on the Liturgy, calls the Eucharist "the source and summit of the Christian life."1 It is spiritually wise to continue to meditate upon the mystery of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  With this in mind, pastors look for opportunities throughout the year to reflect upon the various aspects of this great mystery.  Aswe prepare for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, it can be helpful to reflect on the gracefulness with which we approach this Sacrament.

Who May Receive This Sacrament?

In order to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Holy Communion a person must:

1. Be a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church.
2. Have reached the age of reason (age 7) and have been prepared for reception of Holy Communion.
3. Be observing the Eucharistic fast.
4. Be free from serious sin.

Communion Under Both Forms

If Holy Communion is offered under both forms, communicants may, after receiving the Host, approach the minister distributing the Precious Blood.  There is no need to make an additional sign of reverence before receiving the chalice.  The minister will show the chalice and say, "The Blood of Christ."  The communicant again responds, "Amen."  As the chalice is presented, the communicant should receive the chalice with both hands, grasping the cup and the base of the chalice.  Place the cup to the lips and sip of the Precious Blood.  Return the chalice to the minister who will receive it at the "node" in the middle portion of the chalice and wipe the rim with a purificator. The communicant then returns to the pew to continue to offer thanks to God.

Reception More Than Once A Day

Another interesting change is one with which even many knowledgeable Catholics are unfamiliar.  Many probably remember being taught that Holy Communion could only be received once a day.  The present Code of Canon Law instructs us that "One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only within a Eucharistic celebration in which that person participates."6 Also, if they have received Holy Communion that same day, Christ's faithful who are in danger of death should receive the Eucharist again as Viaticum.7 (That is, one's final reception of Holy Communion in this life.)

Kneeling To Standing

Some may remember the "old days" before the liturgical changes made by the Second Vatican Council (1963-1965). In those days, many Eucharistic practices were different than they are now.  For instance, it was generally the practice to receive Holy Communion while kneeling at the altar rail.

While this practice was permitted to continue, the practice of receiving Holy Communion while standing was also approved.  This practice was soon adopted by a great many pastors.

The bishops were concerned that the proper reverence owed to the Eucharist should not fail to be given.  When Communion is received while kneeling, no other sign of reverence is needed since kneeling itself a sign of adoration.

When the faithful receive Holy Communion while standing, the Sacred Congregation of Rites in its Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery (Eucharisticum Mysterium) "strongly recommends that, coming up in procession, they should make a sign of reverence before receiving the Blessed Sacrament. This should be done at the right time and place, so that the order of people going to and from communion should not be disrupted."2 Of the various signs of veneration, making the sign of the cross or bowing toward the Sacrament are the most common and practical.

The Eucharistic Fast

Another change was the length of the Eucharistic fast. Some may remember when those who wished to receive Holy Communion were required to fast from midnight. This meant eating or drinking nothing except water that entire day until after receiving the Eucharist.  As a result, many people did not receive Communion.  Instead, they would make a "spiritual communion" - a prayerful devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.

This was not desirable.  Our Lord addresses an invitation to us, urging us to receive Him in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: "Truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you."3

Beginning with the Papacy of St. Pius X (1903-1914), the Church slowly began to lessen the time required for the fast.  First it was three hours.  Finally, it went to what it is today - one hour. "Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine."4  "The elderly and those who are suffering from some illness, as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even if within the preceding hour they have consumed something."5

Receiving in our Hands

Also permitted was a return to the ancient practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand.  During the Middle Ages, this practice had been stopped in order to prevent some abuses to the Sacrament.  When this permission was given, it was necessary to instruct the faithful on the proper manner of taking the Eucharist in the hand.

After making a sign of reverence, one should cup his/her hands, one on top of the other, thus making a kind of "throne" for the Lord.  The hands should be elevated to the chest and they should be clean and uncovered. The minister will show the Host and say, "The Body of Christ." The communicant responds, "Amen."  After the Host is placed in the hands, the person immediately steps to the side, and then places the Host into the mouth, chews and swallows  the Host.  One should then return to the pew and offer thanks to God for this great gift.  No one should break off a piece of their Host to share with a child or with anyone else.

Those choosing to receive on the tongue should keep their hands folded.  After responding "Amen," one should open the mouth wide and place the tongue out so that the Host may be easily placed on the tongue.  The Host is then chewed and immediately swallowed.

Thanksgiving

Having received our Lord, those who have been nourished by Holy Communion should offer private prayers of thanks.

"On those who receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the gift of the Spirit is poured out abundantly like living water (cf. John 7:37-39), provided that this Body and Blood have been received sacramentally and spiritually, namely, by that faith which operates through charity."

"(Union with Christ) is to be prolonged into the entire Christian life, in such a way that the Christian faithful, contemplating unceasingly the gift they have received, may make their life a continual thanksgiving under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and may produce fruits of greater charity."8

References:

1.  Sacrosanctum Concilium, 47.
2. Eucharisticum mysterium, 34.
3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1384.  See also, John 6:53.
4. Code of Canon Law, Canon 919-1.
5. Canon 919-3.
6. Canon 917.
7.  cf. Canon 921-2.
8.  Eucharisticum Mysterium, 38.