Hello,
Some really good discussion here. When some of you say that you see people receive in the hand with reverence, this wasn’t the point of the homily. People don’t think about the particles on their hands or going into their pockets. Why?
Yes, I agree it could be and most likely is the teaching they’ve been given. CCD became CFC? Why? I don’t know.
In the early church people received in the hand, until abuses arose. The Church changed it to on the tongue. We also kneeled when receiving; a plate was placed under a persons chin to catch the particles…that’s because it’s that important.

These things showed the utmost respect and reverence. As other Christian denominations that do not believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist spread over the earth and their effect on the local perishes result in a general relaxation of tradition, plus a way to speed up Communion.

This has slowly evolved in the church at the local levels. We stopped kneeling (some churches took out the kneelers all together), we no longer have the plate and we receive in the hand. The Church authorized it, but is not recommended.
I have no doubts that many people in the Church, even the majority, believe that they are receiving with great respect and reverence. However, this is because they don’t know that there is a more respectful way to receive. The standards have been lowered to accommodate…lesser-trained people and/or a society that believes anything old most be outdated and therefore changed.
If receiving in the hand is equal to that in the mouth, then why don’t the Pope and the majority of Bishops do it?

I guess it’s because they see something most of us don’t. Christ in his Glory?

The majority of ‘Catholics’ believe artificial birth control is ok. Do we convince ourselves that it is truly the same as NFP? Nope!
If you receive in the hand that’s fine, but remember it isn’t as reverent as in the mouth. Like general absolution isn’t the same as private confession. I am as guilty as anyone because I lack the courage to make a more reverent act in church. However, if I am in the priests line I do receive on the tongue.
Here’s another thought. Eucharistic Adoration: If any of you have gone before the Lord and sat with Him, you know how awesome it is. We never turn our backs to Him while in His presence and we kneel with both knees. (or at least that’s how I was taught) If you’re going to show respect, be consistent.
Keep praying on it. Put more trust and faith in the Lord, don’t worry about germs!
Peace to you,
Scott
P.S. Yes, there some circumstances where one should receive in the hand, but those are rare. One at all possible in the mouth.