Joshua Bennett
Receiving the body of Christ is a significant religious action for Catholics, who believe that Jesus is truly present on their altars during the Eucharist. This act of worship requires reverence, humility, and a deep faith in the mystery of Christ's presence. The Communion Procession symbolises the pilgrim Church, the body of believers in Christ, on their journey towards the Heavenly Jerusalem. In preparation for receiving Holy Communion, Catholics are expected to be free from mortal sin and approach the altar with a sincere desire for transformation. While the mode of reception may vary, with some receiving Communion on the tongue and others in the hand, the communicant is expected to bow and respond with Amen, affirming their belief in the Eucharist as the body and blood of Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communion | Stand up, file out of the pew, wait your turn in line, eat the Host, and head back to the pew |
| Holy Communion | Received standing or kneeling |
| Communion Procession | A sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ |
| Communion Procession | Standing in line in the supermarket or at the motor vehicle bureau |
| Communion | Received on the tongue or in the hand |
| Communion | Bow as a sign of reverence |
| Communion | Say "Amen" |
| Communion | Open your mouth wide with your tongue over your bottom lip, holding your head still |
| Communion | Place your hands up as a throne for the Lord |
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What You'll Learn
The Eucharist is Jesus
The Eucharist is a sacred meal, in which the Body and Blood of Christ are received. This is also referred to as Holy Communion, and is an act of worship. The communicant is invited to respond with "Amen", meaning "I agree", "I believe", or "So be it". This response indicates the belief that the Eucharist is, in fact, the body and blood of Christ. The "Amen" is a proclamation of faith, and an agreement to receive Jesus.
The Eucharist is received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of the communicant. The priest holds up the Host and says, "The Body of Christ", to which the communicant replies, "Amen". The communicant may also bow as a sign of reverence to Jesus. This act of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood. The Eucharist may be received standing or kneeling.
The reception of the Eucharist is about God increasing Jesus' divine life in us, and decreasing sin and selfishness. It is an encounter with the Lord, and a profound union with God. The Mass' rites and prayers before receiving Communion help to prepare the soul for this encounter.
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Preparing your soul
Achieving this state of grace involves ridding oneself of mortal sin, which St. Paul warns against mixing with the Blood of Christ. Mortal sin is the result of a deliberate choice to commit a grave evil. To avoid damnation, as warned by St. Thomas Aquinas, one must approach the Eucharist with a pure soul.
The Mass' rites and prayers before Communion are essential for fostering a soul's "proper disposition". Voicing humility, as demonstrated by the Roman Centurion of Capernaum, is a vital aspect of this preparation. A post-Communion prayer, expressing the desire to become more like Jesus, can also aid in this process.
The act of receiving the body of Christ is not just a physical one, but a spiritual encounter with the Lord. It is a union of God with oneself, an awe-inspiring mystery. This awareness and deep faith are what define Catholics and their belief in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Approaching the altar with reverence, humility, and a sincere desire for transformation is crucial for receiving Communion like a saint.
In summary, preparing your soul involves ridding mortal sin, fostering humility, and approaching the Eucharist with reverence and a sincere desire for spiritual transformation.
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Bowing and saying Amen
Bowing and saying "Amen" are integral parts of receiving the Body of Christ as a Catholic. The act of bowing is a physical expression of reverence and respect for Jesus, acknowledging His presence in the Eucharist. While it is ideal to prostrate oneself fully on the ground before the Lord, bowing is a more practical way to show reverence without compromising one's ability to get back up. This act of bowing is also mentioned in the US Bishops' norms, which state that "Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling" and that a bow is the act of reverence in this context.
Saying "Amen" is an affirmation of faith and belief in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The word "Amen" is derived from Aramaic and carries the weight of agreement, belief, and affirmation. When a Catholic says "Amen" in response to the priest's declaration of "The Body of Christ," they are essentially declaring, "I believe it is true that this is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ." This proclamation of faith is a critical aspect of receiving Holy Communion, as it signifies the individual's recognition of the sacred nature of the Eucharist and their willingness to receive Jesus into their beings.
The combination of bowing and saying "Amen" during the reception of the Body of Christ demonstrates humility, reverence, and a sincere desire for transformation through communion with God. It is a reminder of the profound mystery of the Eucharist, where Catholics believe they receive not just bread and wine but the very presence of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the act of bowing and saying "Amen" is not just an individual expression of faith but also a communal one. When Catholics participate in the Communion Procession, they join a long line of believers throughout history, including the saints and their loved ones, who have also bowed and proclaimed "Amen" in unity with the Body of Christ. This communal aspect adds to the significance and symbolism of these rituals during Mass.
In conclusion, bowing and saying "Amen" during the reception of the Body of Christ in the Catholic tradition are outward expressions of inward reverence, faith, and humility. These actions prepare the individual to receive Holy Communion worthily and set the tone for a transformative encounter with God.
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Receiving the host
Receiving Holy Communion is a profound act of worship and reverence. It is an encounter with the Lord, an act of receiving Jesus Christ into one's body and becoming one with Him. The Eucharist is a mystery of faith, and receiving it well requires preparation and a "proper disposition".
The first step in receiving the Host is to approach the altar with humility and reverence, recognising the profound nature of the act. The communicant should be standing, although they may also choose to kneel. The priest will hold up the Host and say, "The Body of Christ", to which the communicant replies, "Amen", indicating their belief that the Host is truly the body of Christ.
The communicant then receives the Host either on the tongue or in the hand, depending on their preference. If receiving on the tongue, the communicant should open their mouth wide with their tongue over the bottom lip, keeping their head still. If receiving in the hand, the communicant may place their hand out as a throne for the Lord, receiving Him reverently.
After receiving the Host, the communicant may return to their pew, where they can offer prayers of thanksgiving, adoration, and contrition.
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Post-Communion prayers
Prayer of St. Basil the Great
"O Master, Christ our God, King of the Ages, Maker of all things, I thank Thee for all the good things Thou hast given me, especially for the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating Mysteries. I pray Thee, O gracious Lover of Man, preserve me under Thy protection, beneath the shadow of Thy wings. Enable me, even to my last breath, to partake worthily and with a pure conscience of Thy holy things, for the remission of sins and unto life eternal. For Thou art the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, the Giver of all Good; to Thee we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
Prayer by St. Simeon Metaphrastes
"Freely Thou hast given me Thy Body for my food, O Thou who art a fire consuming the unworthy. Consume me not, O my Creator, but instead enter into my members, my veins, my heart." Consume the thorns of my transgressions. Cleanse my soul and sanctify my reasonings. Make firm my knees and body. Illumine my five senses. Nail me to the fear of Thee. Always protect, guard, and keep me from soul-destroying words and deeds. Cleanse me, purify me, and adorn me. Give me understanding and illumination. Show me to be a temple of Thy One Spirit and not the home of many sins."
Anima Devota (Prayer After Communion)
"I believe, dearest Jesus, that Thou art truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I adore Thee from the abyss of my nothingness, and I thank Thee for all the graces Thou hast bestowed upon me, especially for having given me Thyself in this Sacrament, for having given me Thy Most Holy Mother Mary to be my Mother, and for having called me to visit Thee in this church. My Jesus, I love Thee; I desire to receive Thee into my soul that I may love Thee more and more. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as if Thou wert already there, and unite myself wholly to Thee. Oh, never permit me to be separated from Thee. Amen."
Prayer After Holy Communion
"Dear Lord, help me to remove from my mind everything that is unworthy of Your love, and to fill it with a desire to please You. Grant that I may always be aware of Your presence and obey Your commands. Amen."
Act of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion
"My Lord Jesus Christ, most sweet and loving Saviour, I thank You for this special gift of Your love, for in my unworthiness You have allowed me to receive You, the Bread of Life, the pledge of eternal happiness. May my soul be filled with gratitude and praise for such great condescension, and may my life be worthy of this great gift. I thank You, dear Jesus, for having come to me, and I love You with my whole heart. Amen."
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Frequently asked questions
The proper way to receive Holy Communion is to stand, file out of the pew, wait in line, receive the Host, and head back to the pew. It is also important to bow as a sign of reverence to Jesus, and to say Amen to the priest or deacon's declaration of "The Body of Christ".
Receiving Holy Communion is an act of worship and an exercise of the power we have from Christ. It is believed that by receiving the Eucharist, Jesus is present in our bodies and we become one with the Lord.
The priest holds up the Host and says, "The Body of Christ," to which the communicant responds, "Amen." The priest cannot dictate how one receives Holy Communion, such as demanding that it is received only on the tongue or in the hand.
