About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 19- Receiving Communion

'RECEIVING COMMUNION: THEOLOGICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS- ’

In the early stages of Church history, the most usual formula for the distribution of communion was ‘the Body of Christ’.  The communicant responded ‘Amen’ indicating his/her true profession of faith. St. Augustine explains in one of his sermons:

‘If you are the body of Christ and its members, it is the sacrament of what you are which is placed on the Lord’s Table: it is the sacrament of what you are which you receive.  It is to what you are that you respond ‘Amen’.  This response is your signature. You hear: ‘Body of Christ’ and You respond ‘Amen’. Be a member of the Body of Christ so that your Amen may be true’. (Sermo 272, 38, 1272).

 These are indeed powerful words.

In the 8^th century until Vatican 11, the formula ‘May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus keep you for eternal life’ was used. Nowadays, emphasis seems to be placed on the community aspect of communion- i.e. being a member of the body of Christ, but let us not forget that as we receive the host, we are truly receiving Christ’s body and blood under the form of bread and wine.  

Until the 9^th century, reception of communion was in the hand, after which the norm became to receive the host on the tongue.  Cyril of Jerusalem advised the catechumens:

‘When you come forward, do not draw near with your hands wide open or with your fingers spread apart; with your left hand make a throne for the right hand, which will receive the King’.(23,22)  

The practice of kneeling was established progressively from the 11^th-16^th centuries. Nowadays, the choice of reception of the host (either on the tongue or in the hand) is entirely made by the communicant. If received in the hand, the host should be consumed straightaway and within the view of the priest or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. It should NEVER be taken back to one’s seat to consume.

It should also be noted that in the archdiocese of Melbourne, the priest is solely responsible for opening the tabernacle to get out the sacred vessels.  The practice of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist taking that responsibility from the priest is not permitted since October 2006.

It should also be noted that the communicant receive host reverently as he/she is receiving Christ.  From May 11 2008, a bow before receiving communion is recommended.  Refer to Addendum for further details.

If you are not fully received into the Catholic Church, either as a child or adult, you are still welcome in most churches to come up at Communion to receive Christ’s blessing from the priest or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. 

As we receive communion, perhaps we might reflect on the words of St Augustine and St Cyril of Jerusalem quoted previously.   

May our ‘Amen’ be our signature as we make a throne in our hearts for our King’ (Sermo 272,38, 1272)