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Triduum to St. Rita - May 18th-20th

Some Thoughts on Eucharistic Etiquette:

Here follows a few random thoughts in no particular order.

The bishops of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference have written: when the Church gathers in worship of God and offers the Eucharistic sacrifice, not only is Christ really and truly present under the appearance of bread and wine, but he also continues his saving work of salvation.  Those are powerful words.  They are a summation of our Catholic dogma and most surely engage our faith.  So, the question you need to ask is:  where is your Eucharistic faith?  Where is the faith of your children and family?  The Holy Eucharist is at the very heart of the Church’s life. 

We must not forget (have we forgotten?) that our faith tells us that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.  I have to confess that I ask myself quite often just what do our people believe anymore.  The church building (the house of God) is treated much too often as an assembly hall or a convention center. Our liturgical manners are, regretfully, a reflection of our daily courtesy in the market place.  Having lost our respect for one another, we have lost our respect for the Real Presence.  As delicate as this matter is,- our dress is often quite out  of place for the celebration of Mass.  Without telling you how to dress, it is simply a matter of religious common sense, i.e., in the presence of God is my vesture what it should be.  Would you attend a wedding or a funeral Mass dressed as some do for Holy Mass!  It is “Holy” isn’t it?

I remember when, in another age, one could come early to Mass and enjoy the quiet of the sanctuary.  It was a time for private prayer before the Liturgy began.  You know very well that it is often anything but that.  Modern man has become so uncomfortable being alone and being quiet that he finds it impossible to spiritually “chill out” in church.  These aberrations are being passed down to another generation.  Our children and young people have been unconsciously instructed that this is the way we act (or perhaps better said “act up”) in church.  Once again – God is present.  That needs to be our focus.  We are in the presence of MYSTERY and, as Moses was required to do, to take off our shoes because we are on holy ground.

Whatever happened to the genuflection?  The genuflection is an external sign of what should be in the heart which is to say that I bend my knee before the Presence of Christ Jesus.  On entering and leaving the pew we genuflect to the tabernacle where there is kept the Eucharist.  Does the lack of a genuflection indicate a lack of faith?  A careless practice of the faith? A conscience poorly formed?  Poor catechetics?  One genuflects on the right knee.  It is the right knee that touches the floor.  A genuflection and a slight bow of the head is “body language” that proclaims Christ has died.  Christ has risen.  Christ will come again.

The reception of Holy Communion was once described as “man’s most intimate moment with God here on this earth”.  But are the faithful convinced of this?  Generally speaking, the reception of the Eucharist has become very sloppy and perfunctory.  If you are receiving on the hands, hands should be crossed one over the other.  The host is placed on the palm.  One steps to the side, communicates himself/herself as they are facing the altar and then returns to the pew.  The host is never taken away from the banquet table.  Grabbing for the host is improper.  The correct response before receiving the Body of the Lord is NOT thank you but Amen.  Sleeves should not half cover the palms.  Gloves must be removed.  This is a moment of awe – heaven meets earth, Divinity comes to sinful humanity.  How best does one say:  I am not worthy, but just say the word and my soul will be healed.

How are you preparing for Communion?  A Eucharistic Fast is required.  One hour from solid foods and beverages.  Water never breaks the fast.  Have you forgotten this requirement!  It almost seems that it has been so minimized (remember the Eucharistic Fast from midnight) that it not important.  Fasting is preparing.  Athletes fast.  Patients fast before certain medical procedures.  A Catholic is required to fast before the reception of Holy Communion.

And finally, what about confession of sin!  Mortal sin is an obstacle to receiving Communion.  When was your last confession?  Have you fooled yourself into thinking that you are not a sinner and not in need of God’s mercy?   Have you rationalized certain sinful acts telling yourself that this really isn’t that bad?  After all everybody else does it!  It is not old fashioned or conservative to say that if one receives the Eucharist in the state of grave sin he commits a sacrilege and brings damnation on himself (see ! Corinthians 11:17 ff).

The little red lamp above the sanctuary proclaims the Real Presence of Jesus.  Do you believe?