How do you receive the Body of Christ?

[Trinity117]

I am an “older” adult parishoner but I did just complete my Sacraments through the RCIA program at my church a few years ago.

Years back I attended Mass with my grandmother, and hers was an older style city church - complete with communion rail. I watched her kneel (always wearing her head covering!!) and receive COTT.

My current church is very small, in a country setting and nowhere near as “formal” in attire or feel. I would guess that perhaps 75-80 percent of our praishoners receive CITH. I am comfortable that way as well. I don’t mind those who receive either way – I also am just happy that they attend Mass!

 

[GIR]

I prefer communion on the tongue, but NOT for the reasons that most traditionalists insist on:dts:

It’s just that, as a teenager in the Lutheran Church, this was the normal practice, so I continue to receive communion on the tongue as a habit. Really.:blushing:

I will admit that I would be tempted to receive communion in hand if I knew a group of tonguers were watching me, just to tick them off

I always have a gnee-jerk anger reaction when I hear of protestant churches being more reverent than what one normally finds in a catholic church. I HATE the fact that the anglicans have taken over Walsingham when they were the ones that wrecked it during the english reformation.

Regarding the topic, I receive on the tongue. I have an assistance dog that stays on my left, and I´m left handed. In order not to profane the Host, I want to make sure there are as few steps between the ciborium and my mouth as possible. Going streight from the hand of the minister to my mouth makes the most sense.

I think in-the-hand is both a cause of problems and a symptom of a lack of reverence for the Eucharist.

 

[ProVobis]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and inspirational story!!!

Most of us don’t concelebrate the Mass.

 

[MarkThompson]

Most of us don’t concelebrate the Mass.

And neither does Deacon JAR.

 

[Ockham]

D’oh, you’re right, I should’ve gone by random internet rumors instead.

Please, insisting on claims like these after they’ve been debunked just demeans you and your position. You’re better than that.

Can you cite your source please? It will still be hearsay though.

 

[ProVobis]

And neither does Deacon JAR.

Then why bring up the Apostles? I’m sure if Christ Himself had outsiders distribute His Body and Blood in any manner they wished (not that they do this today), we wouldn’t be having this discussion. He left it for His Church to decide that matter.

 

[Deacon_JAR]

With all due respect to Deacon Jar, the Apostles were the equivalent of bishops. The Last supper, then is obviously a poor indication of the way we should receive.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you. Are you insinuating that Bishops are worthier than any other believer, therefore, are they the only ones worthy to touch with their hands the Precious Body of the Lord? Let us remember that EVERYONE PARTAKING OF THE LAST SUPPER WAS A SINNER, except our Lord. And if all of them were BISHOPS, except the Lord [Lord and King of Bishops], then let us not forget BISHOP JUDAS ISCARIOT. The Catholic Church law clearly states that we have two types of ministers allow to distribute the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord: ordinary ministers(clergy:bishops, priests, and deacons) and extraordinary ministers (qualified and instituted lay people).

I believe the subject of this discussion is:"How do you receive the Body of Christ? The church law clearly states, as you have read on previous replies to this subject, that it is legal and appropriate for the believer to receive the Body of the Lord on the Tongue or on the Hand. Either way is blessed by our beloved Catholic Church. That answer is VERY CLEAR.

That some people prefer one way or the other remains a PERSONAL CHOICE. Let us NOT CAST JUDGMENT on one way or the other. I believe WE ARE MISSING THE POINT.
Complaining about Jesus’ disciples the Pharisees and scribes said to Jesus, "They do not wash their hands when they eat at meal. He said to them in reply, ‘…This people honors me with their lips, but THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME.’ …He summoned the crowd and said to them, ‘HEAR AND UNDERSTAND, IT IS NOT WHAT ENTERS ONE’S MOUTH THAT DEFILES THAT PERSON. BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.’" (Mat. 15:2,8,10-11). Explaining this parable to His disciples Jesus said, "BUT THE THINGS THAT COME OUT OF THE MOUTH COME FROM THE HEART, AND THEY DEFILE. FROM THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDER, ADULTERY, UNCHASTITY, THEFT, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMY. THESE ARE WHAT DEFILE A PERSON…" (Mat. 15:18-20

James added, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, HIS RELIGION IS VAIN." No wonder in his 1st letter to the Corinthians Paul writes, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drink the cup of the Lord UNWORTHILY will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person SHOULD EXAMINE HIMSELF…", (11:27-28),

My brothers and sisters in the Lord, we sin with our tongues and we also sin with our hands, What makes one part worthier than the other? But these two, the hands and the tongue, OBEY THE HEART. And like our Master said "BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.

Therefore, HOW ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE BODY OF THE LORD? We are to receive the Body of the Lord with a humble and contrite heart; a heart overwhelmed with a great sense of RESPECT, REVERENCE, HONOR, ADMIRATION, and LOVE to the Almighty God. We receive His Precious Body in a state of AWE and with a spirit of THANKSGIVING.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

May the Peace of the Lord be with you. Are you insinuating that Bishops are worthier than any other believer, therefore, are they the only ones worthy to touch with their hands the Precious Body of the Lord? Let us remember that EVERYONE PARTAKING OF THE LAST SUPPER WAS A SINNER, except our Lord. And if all of them were BISHOPS, except the Lord [Lord and King of Bishops], then let us not forget BISHOP JUDAS ISCARIOT. The Catholic Church law clearly states that we have two types of ministers allow to distribute the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord: ordinary ministers(clergy:bishops, priests, and deacons) and extraordinary ministers (qualified and instituted lay people).

I believe the subject of this discussion is:"How do you receive the Body of Christ? The church law clearly states, as you have read on previous replies to this subject, that it is legal and appropriate for the believer to receive the Body of the Lord on the Tongue or on the Hand. Either way is blessed by our beloved Catholic Church. That answer is VERY CLEAR.

That some people prefer one way or the other remains a PERSONAL CHOICE. Let us NOT CAST JUDGMENT on one way or the other. I believe WE ARE MISSING THE POINT.
Complaining about Jesus’ disciples the Pharisees and scribes said to Jesus, "They do not wash their hands when they eat at meal. He said to them in reply, ‘…This people honors me with their lips, but THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME.’ …He summoned the crowd and said to them, ‘HEAR AND UNDERSTAND, IT IS NOT WHAT ENTERS ONE’S MOUTH THAT DEFILES THAT PERSON. BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.’" (Mat. 15:2,8,10-11). Explaining this parable to His disciples Jesus said, "BUT THE THINGS THAT COME OUT OF THE MOUTH COME FROM THE HEART, AND THEY DEFILE. FROM THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDER, ADULTERY, UNCHASTITY, THEFT, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMY. THESE ARE WHAT DEFILE A PERSON…" (Mat. 15:18-20

James added, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, HIS RELIGION IS VAIN." No wonder in his 1st letter to the Corinthians Paul writes, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drink the cup of the Lord UNWORTHILY will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person SHOULD EXAMINE HIMSELF…", (11:27-28),

My brothers and sisters in the Lord, we sin with our tongues and we also sin with our hands, What makes one part worthier than the other? But these two, the hands and the tongue, OBEY THE HEART. And like our Master said "BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.

Therefore, HOW ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE BODY OF THE LORD? We are to receive the Body of the Lord with a humble and contrite heart; a heart overwhelmed with a great sense of RESPECT, REVERENCE, HONOR, ADMIRATION, and LOVE to the Almighty God. We receive His Precious Body in a state of AWE and with a spirit of THANKSGIVING.

:clapping:

 

[Groundskeeper]

May the Peace of the Lord be with you. Are you insinuating that Bishops are worthier than any other believer, therefore, are they the only ones worthy to touch with their hands the Precious Body of the Lord? Let us remember that EVERYONE PARTAKING OF THE LAST SUPPER WAS A SINNER, except our Lord. And if all of them were BISHOPS, except the Lord [Lord and King of Bishops], then let us not forget BISHOP JUDAS ISCARIOT. The Catholic Church law clearly states that we have two types of ministers allow to distribute the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord: ordinary ministers(clergy:bishops, priests, and deacons) and extraordinary ministers (qualified and instituted lay people).

I believe the subject of this discussion is:"How do you receive the Body of Christ? The church law clearly states, as you have read on previous replies to this subject, that it is legal and appropriate for the believer to receive the Body of the Lord on the Tongue or on the Hand. Either way is blessed by our beloved Catholic Church. That answer is VERY CLEAR.

That some people prefer one way or the other remains a PERSONAL CHOICE. Let us NOT CAST JUDGMENT on one way or the other. I believe WE ARE MISSING THE POINT.
Complaining about Jesus’ disciples the Pharisees and scribes said to Jesus, "They do not wash their hands when they eat at meal. He said to them in reply, ‘…This people honors me with their lips, but THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME.’ …He summoned the crowd and said to them, ‘HEAR AND UNDERSTAND, IT IS NOT WHAT ENTERS ONE’S MOUTH THAT DEFILES THAT PERSON. BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.’" (Mat. 15:2,8,10-11). Explaining this parable to His disciples Jesus said, "BUT THE THINGS THAT COME OUT OF THE MOUTH COME FROM THE HEART, AND THEY DEFILE. FROM THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDER, ADULTERY, UNCHASTITY, THEFT, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMY. THESE ARE WHAT DEFILE A PERSON…" (Mat. 15:18-20

James added, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, HIS RELIGION IS VAIN." No wonder in his 1st letter to the Corinthians Paul writes, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drink the cup of the Lord UNWORTHILY will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person SHOULD EXAMINE HIMSELF…", (11:27-28),

My brothers and sisters in the Lord, we sin with our tongues and we also sin with our hands, What makes one part worthier than the other? But these two, the hands and the tongue, OBEY THE HEART. And like our Master said "BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE HEART IS WHAT DEFILES ONE.

Therefore, HOW ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE BODY OF THE LORD? We are to receive the Body of the Lord with a humble and contrite heart; a heart overwhelmed with a great sense of RESPECT, REVERENCE, HONOR, ADMIRATION, and LOVE to the Almighty God. We receive His Precious Body in a state of AWE and with a spirit of THANKSGIVING.

Wow, great post!

I always received in the hand because that’s how I was taught when I was taking first communion classes some 16 years ago. This past Sunday I received on the tongue for the first time and I think I will receive that way from now on. It just felt right/more comfortable to me. I’m not saying it’s wrong to receive in the hand…to each his/her own

 

[MarkThompson]

Can you cite your source please? It will still be hearsay though.

I linked to my source in my previous post, but here it is again.

And by the way, I was responding to a post that said (no source provided, natch), “I have also heard that Mother Theresa claimed that COTT should be the only way the Eucharist should be received.”

Also, in case it makes any difference in your perception, I receive on the tongue.

 

[MarkThompson]

Then why bring up the Apostles? I’m sure if Christ Himself had outsiders distribute His Body and Blood in any manner they wished (not that they do this today), we wouldn’t be having this discussion. He left it for His Church to decide that matter.

I think we’re both puzzled by something here. What does any of this have to do with concelebration? Are we agreed, at least, that the Apostles did not “concelebrate” the Last Supper?

 

[CDNowak]

…

Really, no need for all the shouting.

Yes, I am “insinuating” that the hands of the ordained (regardless of their personal sinfulness) have been set aside for Holy things, as is the Tradition of the Church.

The Latin Church everywhere accepts CotT, not so CitH, likewise CitH can be suspended (with reason) CotT cannot.

Likewise Church discipline is clear (though often ignored) EMHCs should not be commonly used.

Using discretion in these matters, we can make prudential judgments, including the co-incidence of the decline in belief and discernment and the implementation of these practices. (The way we pray does tend to shape what we believe.)

 

[ProVobis]

I think we’re both puzzled by something here. What does any of this have to do with concelebration? Are we agreed, at least, that the Apostles did not “concelebrate” the Last Supper?

Let’s not call it concelebration then. The point is that there is some mindset planted here that we have exactly the same privileges as the Apostles had. I never quite thought of myself as an Apostle. Disciple yes, Apostle, definitely not. Not even an Apostolic Successor.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Really, no need for all the shouting.

Yes, I am “insinuating” that the hands of the ordained (regardless of their personal sinfulness) have been set aside for Holy things, as is the Tradition of the Church.

The Latin Church everywhere accepts CotT, not so CitH, likewise CitH can be suspended (with reason) CotT cannot.

Likewise Church discipline is clear (though often ignored) EMHCs should not be commonly used.

Using discretion in these matters, we can make prudential judgments, including the co-incidence of the decline in belief and discernment and the implementation of these practices. (The way we pray does tend to shape what we believe.)

I don’t think (although do not presume to speak for) Deacon JAR was shouting, I think he was he was just trying to show how powerful his experience was. I have found it is very hard to show my “passion” on the boards, so I can relate!

Whenever I hear ***lex orandi, lex credendi ***invoked, this is what I think of~

*Luke 18:10-14
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity–greedy, dishonest, adulterous–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes toheaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” *

[SIGN]PEACE![/SIGN]

 

[choy]

reverence is justified by intention, not action

 

[ProVobis]

Whenever I hear ***lex orandi, lex credendi ***invoked, this is what I think of~

Luke 18:10-14

I don’t quite see the connection.

 

[choy]

I don’t quite see the connection.

the Pharisee is a Traditional Catholic (i said “A”, not “ALL”) who goes and prays in Latin and kneels for communion and receives on the tongue. and yet their heart is not filled with humility, thinks that “i’m praying in Latin and kneel when receiving, this irreverent clown beside me who holds hands during Pater Noster and receives standing, in the hand, doesn’t show any reverence. Lord, thank you i am not an irreverent clown like this one.”

while the “modernist” prays the Our Father in the vernacular with all of his heart, reaching out his hands to the people beside him, connecting with one another to lift up the prayer in unison. and during communion as he reaches out his hand to receive the Body of our Lord, in his mind he says, “Lord, i pray that i’m made worthy to receive you despite being a sinner,” and says “Amen” to the priest in full conviction, believe that what he receives is the Body of Christ, and his desire to be in communion with Savior

 

[WatchingMedia]

The Pope (from the Vatican web site) recommends “on the tongue and kneeling”.

If you are carrying a small child, or have health issues such as knee or hip arthritis its OK to stand.

 

[choy]

The Pope (from the Vatican web site) recommends “on the tongue and kneeling”.

If you are carrying a small child, or have health issues such as knee or hip arthritis its OK to stand.

if one does just because they’re told, then whats the use?
but if one does because they understand why and does it for that reason, then there is profit from it

 

[Ockham]

I linked to my source in my previous post, but here it is again.

And by the way, I was responding to a post that said (no source provided, natch), “I have also heard that Mother Theresa claimed that COTT should be the only way the Eucharist should be received.”

Also, in case it makes any difference in your perception, I receive on the tongue.

It’s still hearsay. You know it and are better than that.