Decline in belief in the Eucharist...conclusions

In the past couple of week, as we have been discussing the various aspects that may have contributed to the decline in belief in the Real Presence, I have been very observant of the atmosphere and actions at the Mass. This has especially been the case with the distribution of Communion. As I have observed Communion these past couple of weeks I have come to a couple of conclusions. I will present two of them today and two of them in my next post.

I stand firm in my belief that the way in which one receives Communion is not reflectant upon their reverence nor is it the major cause of decline in the belief in the Real Presence. I saw persons receiving in the hand that seemed to have a sense of awe on their faces at being able to cradle Jesus himself in their hands. I also saw persons receive in the hand that looked as if they were being given a piece of pie at the family picnic. I saw persons receive on the tongue that had their eyes closed and seemed to be in a prayerful state and I saw others receive on the tongue that looked like the only reason they were receiving on the tongue was because they wanted to seem pius to others. These are just my perceptions and observations. I am not judging anyone and I have no idea of the state of nor disposition of their souls. However, these actions are what many are basing as their proof that receiving in the hand is the primary cause of the unbelief in the Real Presence.

Having said that, my second conclusion is that I would support the reception of the Eucharist only on the tongue if Rome were to withdraw the dispensation the U.S. has for receiving in the hand. I would support it not just out of obedience to Rome but because I have witnessed a couple of things that have concerned me. I have noticed particles of the Eucharist that, although I try to remove them before presenting the consecrated host, sometimes get on people's hands and there is a grave danger of these falling to the floor. I see this as not a lack of reverence by the person rather because either the person did not realize there was a particle on his/her hand or the person did not realize that even that small particle is Jesus Christ himself. Another thing I noticed is that many people receive in the hand and yet have dirty, filthy hands. Again, this is not necessarily a sign of irreverence (although I think it is a sign of bad hygiene) but it is inappropriate. Lastly, there are always cases each week when a person almost or actually does drop the consecrated host. Sometimes this is because they don't seem to be paying attention and other times it is simply because they are clumsy or don't get a good grip on the host. These are all factors that I believe lend great support to receiving on the tongue. Citing a lack of reverence, however, is not the sole justification for withdrawing the dispensation.

I will continue next time with my final two reasons. As you can see, though, the general opinions as to the problems with this decline in belief and the actual practical 'solutions' to these problems are very much different. Just because something seems like a good idea or the appropriate solution when being thought out doesn't mean it will work practically. In fact, it might have the opposite effect. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 07:12 | link | comments (3) |
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Comments:

#1  26 June 2008 - 14:25

 

I have a funny story about the particles of Jesus that can be left behind.

I was at mass here in St Louis and the celebrant is a friend of mind and he was going to give me the anointing of the sick before I had surgery after mass. My husband and daughter also were there.

The priest was cleaning up the vessels and saw "left over Jesus" particles. He asked us if we wanted the "left over Jesus". My daughter gave my husband and myself the funniest look. She asked us, "Why would we eat left over Jesus?". Father Gary explained why we don't leave leftovers of Jesus in the vessel.

Now my daughter was still leery but she ate the "leftovers" anyway.

Thanks for the wonderful blogs. I am learning so much about my faith by reading them.

Julie

Anonymous

#2  30 June 2008 - 05:45

 

Father, take into consideration that you are only one priest who has notice these things. Now multiply that by every priest distributing communion via the hand and look at what that turns into. If the Eucharist is truly the Body & Blood of Christ, which it is, we must treat it as such and every possible precaution needs to be used to protect our Lord. If we don't in time people will question if it is truly His Body & Blood.

Anonymous

#3  30 June 2008 - 07:13

 

I agree completely. That is my deepest concern in the arguments for and against reception in the hand. Piety is never going to be determined by how the Eucharist is received.
Respect for and reverence of the Eucharist will come with education. If we return to reception only on the tongue this will be an ideal time to educate on the Real Presence. We should be doing this now anyway but we aren't doing nearly as well as we should.

crossman

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