Christ's broken body

[cwmzzm]

I have a question. When I receive the body of Christ at Mass it is often a small part of the large host that the priest holds up during consecration. I mean it is one of the broken pieces. I would say that this happens about 80% of the time I go to Mass. It doesn’t matter if I am first in line, in the middle, or last; at a daily Mass with 10 people or a Mass at the Cathedral with 750+ people.

Is this just some strange coincidence? If not, what could it possibly mean? Does this happen to anyone else?

• Sorry- I put this under the wrong forum - It should be in Sacraments.

 

[CARose]

It sounds to me like you are exceptionally blessed that this happens to you on a frequent basis. I’m not certain I would simply chalk it up to “coincidence”, especially based on the fact that you’ve found this happening even at Cathedrals with 750 in attendance (I’m assuming you don’t happen to be known to the priest officiating and work your way into his line for communion).

I don’t know the specific message you may be meant to take from this course of events, but I think Someone is trying to tell you something of import.

I’d guess you have some strong guesses as to just what it is.

CARose

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

Recently, I attended a Mass where the broken pieces of the large Host were too big for a communicant to receive on the tongue.

I saw one communicant attempt to receive on the tongue, but had to put out her hands instead, because the Host was way too large to be placed on one’s tongue. It had to be consumed in bites ~ plural.

As one who prefers to receive on the tongue, I now wait until the line is shorter before receiving in this parish, as I would prefer to receive one of the small, round Hosts on my tongue than to be forced to receive a large, angular piece of the broken Host in my hand.

Is there a right and a wrong in this situation?

Pax Christi. <><

 

[Buckeyejoe]

Occasionally, this happens to me but not recently. I always give a special thanks to the Lord when this happens because I feel privledged to receive part of the main host from the altar.

But if you’re receiving it 80% of the time, you must be the next St. Francis, pack your bags you have an appointment with the Pope!

 

[Panis_Angelicas]

I don’t see why you view this as such a particular priviledge.

The priest’s Host is huge, and is broken into many bits. If you’re seated in the front pew, you’re likely to receive one of these angular-shaped Hosts, which are quite difficult to receive on the tongue and fit into the mouth in a single bite.

This forces the communicant to receive in his/her hands. No one is to be forced to receive in the hand.

Is there no regulation on the size the Host should be, which is given to the communicant?

How is receiving a fraction of the priest’s Host and more special or significant than receiving any of the other Hosts? They are all the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ.

Pax Christi. <><