After Reception of Holy Communion

[ThomasIgnatius]

I just read a thread about whether or not to chew the Blessed Sacrament after we receive Holy Communion. But for those of us who were taught to and prefer to let it dissolve, how ought we act after Holy Mass while the Sacrament is still detectable in our mouths? Is it acceptable to swallow it, or engage in conversation after ward? I ask because I know for me at least the Blessed Sacrament does not dissolve quickly in my mouth.

 

[paperwight66]

I just read a thread about whether or not to chew the Blessed Sacrament after we receive Holy Communion. But for those of us who were taught to and prefer to let it dissolve, how ought we act after Holy Mass while the Sacrament is still detectable in our mouths? Is it acceptable to swallow it, or engage in conversation after ward? I ask because I know for me at least the Blessed Sacrament does not dissolve quickly in my mouth.

I don’t understand. Were you actually taught not to swallow? Didn’t Jesus say ‘Take and eat’?

Besides which, surely by the end of Mass, particularly if there has been a recessional hymn, haven’t you instinctvely swallowed anyway because of the build-up of saliva that goes on all the time?

 

[AlexPetrosPio]

In the Bread of Life Discourse (6th Chapter of John) the Greek word trogo was used near the end of the discourse, which implies chewing, or gnawing. Therefore, it is perfectly alright for one to chew the Blessed Sacrament, as long as you aren’t chomping as if it is a tough steak However, this is all personal and I prefer to allow the Body to dissolve and to swallow with the Blood.

 

[JRKH]

Actually I kind of know where the OP is coming from. Years ago we used a very white. very thin host that dissolved quickly on the tongue. While I was never taught not to “swallow” we were taught (in prep for first communion) not to “chew Jesus”.

Today it seems that a different recipe is used for the host and it does not readily dissolve like the old hosts did.

While I respect the OP’s preference to not chew, my advice is to go ahead and swallow - that is what “eating” is all about. Certainly swallowing is preferable to the possibility of any part of the host being ejected from the mouth.

Peace
James

 

[puzzleannie]

I ? I ask because I know for me at least the Blessed Sacrament does not dissolve quickly in my mouth.

no it does not with the newer thicker hosts used now, which is why the Real Food should be chewed and swallowed if you find you still have the discernable presence of bread in your mouth after Mass. No of course you do not talk or eat while that is true. Never at any time has there ever been an instruction not to swallow so I don’t know where that idea comes from.

 

[SwizzleStick]

I just read a thread about whether or not to chew the Blessed Sacrament after we receive Holy Communion. But for those of us who were taught to and prefer to let it dissolve, how ought we act after Holy Mass while the Sacrament is still detectable in our mouths? Is it acceptable to swallow it, or engage in conversation after ward? I ask because I know for me at least the Blessed Sacrament does not dissolve quickly in my mouth.

I’m confused. How does one receive our Lord and not swallow?

I think you should not engage in conversation until you have swallowed the Eucharist.

Perhaps this Q&A from EWTN, just answered 6-9-11, will be helpful to you.

Holy Eucharist
Question from on 12-02-2010:
Is is proper to chew the Eucharist or should one let it melt in the mouth?
Answer by David Gregson on 06-09-2011:
The Host shouldn’t be allowed to just melt in the mouth. Chewing is permitted but a little hazardous, since particles may remain in the teeth. The tongue may be used to break it up before swallowing.

Source: ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=601401&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=30&Author=&Keyword=chew&pgnu=1&groupnum=0&record_bookmark=1&ORDER_BY_TXT=ORDER+BY+ReplyDate+DESC&start_at=

 

[zab]

You should swallow the Host as soon as possible after receiving Communion. You may let it soften a little but certainly not long enough to dissolve. One should not be leaving the Church with the Host still in their mouth.

 

[ConstantineTG]

The sooner you chew and swallow, the less chances you might accidentally spit it out.