Joshua Bennett
Communion is a holy sacrament in the Catholic Church, and the method of receiving it is a topic of much discussion. While some Catholics prefer to receive Communion on the tongue, others opt for receiving it in the hand. The debate surrounding this topic involves arguments about reverence, tradition, and the mystical experience associated with receiving Communion on the tongue. The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced the way Communion was administered, with some parishes exclusively offering Communion in the hand during that time. Ultimately, the Catholic Church allows for both methods of receiving Communion, and individuals are free to choose their preferred approach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communion on the tongue | Receiving Communion directly on the tongue was the method of reception for centuries |
| Communion in the hand | Communion in the hand has been introduced in some countries and episcopal conferences have requested and received approval from the Apostolic See |
| Lack of reverence | Receiving Communion in the hand may lead to a lack of reverence for the sacrament and profanation |
| Children's First Holy Communion | Children should be taught both ways of receiving Communion and allowed to choose their preferred method |
| No Church law forbidding Communion on the tongue | There is no Church law that forbids receiving Communion on the tongue |
| Universal law of the Latin rite | The universal law of the Latin rite states that Communion should be received on the tongue |
| Right to receive on the tongue | By law, it is the right of the faithful to receive Communion on the tongue |
| Vatican's promotion of Communion on the tongue | The Vatican promotes Communion on the tongue due to its long tradition and because it expresses reverence for the Eucharist |
| Miracles | In Poland and Mexico, hosts have been recorded to bleed and resemble human tissue, which is seen as a miracle |
| Mystical experiences | Numerous saints and blesseds have had mystical experiences that support Communion on the tongue |
| Arguments for Communion on the tongue | Arguments for Communion on the tongue include expressing God's sovereignty, acknowledging the sacredness of Christ's presence, and maintaining liturgical devotion |
| Diversity in liturgical practice | Diversity in liturgical practice, such as receiving Communion on the tongue or in the hand, can be allowed as long as it doesn't contradict faith and morals |
| Supreme Pontiff's decree | The Supreme Pontiff decreed that the long-received manner of ministering Holy Communion should not be changed |
| Communion as a holy gift | As Catholics, we understand Communion as a holy gift, and receiving it in the hand can contradict the liturgy |
| Liberal theology | The adoption of Communion in the hand may lead to "liberal theology" and politically correct agendas that undermine the faith |
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What You'll Learn
- Communion in the hand can lead to a lack of reverence and profanation
- Receiving Communion on the tongue expresses reverence for the Eucharist
- Receiving Communion on the tongue is the traditional method
- Receiving Communion on the tongue is a right of the faithful
- Receiving Communion on the hand is desecration
Communion in the hand can lead to a lack of reverence and profanation
There are a number of reasons for this view. Firstly, the tradition of receiving Communion on the tongue is deeply rooted in the Catholic Church, and it is seen as a way to express reverence and respect for the Eucharist. By receiving the Eucharist on the tongue, Catholics acknowledge the sacredness of Christ's presence and their own dependence on God.
Secondly, there is a symbolic contradiction when receiving the Eucharist in the hand. Before receiving the Eucharist, Catholics utter the words, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." However, by taking the Eucharist in the hand, there is an implication of worthiness, as if the person is taking the Eucharist by their own power rather than receiving it as a gift from God.
Furthermore, there have been reports of a lack of respect toward the Eucharist in places where Communion in the hand is practised. This includes cases of people receiving the Eucharist with dirty or bloodied hands, forming their hands in a disrespectful way, or failing to consume the Sacred Host immediately.
Additionally, some Catholics believe that receiving Communion on the tongue is more in line with mystical experiences and miracles recorded throughout history. For example, St. Bonaventure, a Franciscan friar, received the consecrated Host on the tongue from an angel during Mass.
Finally, there is a concern that introducing Communion in the hand can lead to other changes in the Church that may undermine its faith and traditions. For instance, in Holland, the adoption of Communion in the hand was followed by the removal of crucifixes, kneelers, and the tabernacle from churches, resulting in a decline in church attendance.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church allows for both Communion on the tongue and in the hand, some Catholics believe that Communion in the hand can lead to a lack of reverence and profanation. They argue that receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is a more reverent and traditional way to acknowledge the sacredness of Christ's presence and their own dependence on God.
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Receiving Communion on the tongue expresses reverence for the Eucharist
The Vatican promotes Communion on the tongue because it "expresses the faithful's reverence for the Eucharist" and "removes the danger of profanation of the sacred species". Receiving Communion on the tongue is a way to acknowledge the sacredness of Christ's presence and to avoid treating Him like "a favourite cracker".
Numerous popes and saints have preferred to receive Communion on the tongue. This is because they intuitively sensed that receiving Communion in the hand would demean or disregard God Himself. The mystical experiences of various saints, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Bonaventure, further strengthen this conservative stance.
While some Catholics may prefer to receive Communion in the hand, it is important to respect the diversity of liturgical practices within the Church. As long as it does not contradict faith and morals, the Church should allow for different postures and methods of receiving Communion. Ultimately, the decision of how to receive Communion should be left to the individual communicant, whether they choose to receive on the tongue or in the hand.
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Receiving Communion on the tongue is the traditional method
Numerous popes and saints have preferred to receive Communion on the tongue, and it is believed that receiving Communion in the hand can demean or disregard God Himself. Receiving Communion on the tongue is also seen as a way to acknowledge the sacredness of Christ's presence and to avoid desecration. Furthermore, receiving Communion on the tongue can be seen as a more mystical experience, as evidenced by the miraculous Communion of St. Bonaventure, who received the consecrated Host from an angel while hearing Mass and meditating on the Passion of Jesus Christ.
In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced, and while this may be allowed by the Church, it is important to respect the preference of those who wish to receive Communion on the tongue. The new GIRM, in its directives for distributing Communion, states that "the consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant".
Receiving Communion on the tongue can also be a more reverent and solemn act. It can be a way to express our dependency on God and to welcome Christ into our hearts. It is a reminder that we are like newborns, receiving our spiritual food from the Lord. As Catholics, we are called to understand the sacrament of Communion as a holy gift, and receiving on the tongue can be a way to signify our reverence and respect for this gift.
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Receiving Communion on the tongue is a right of the faithful
The universal law of the Latin rite states that Communion should be received on the tongue. This is a right that cannot be denied to the faithful, as per Catholic Doctrine. The Vatican promotes Communion on the tongue as it expresses reverence for the Eucharist and removes the danger of profanation. It is also in keeping with the mystical experiences of numerous saints and blesseds, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Bonaventure, who received Communion on the tongue from an angel.
Some argue that receiving Communion in the hand is an act of desecration, as it is presumed that only the priest has the capacity to touch the Blessed Sacrament. This view holds that receiving Communion on the tongue acknowledges the sacredness of Christ's presence and is a more suitable posture for receiving the sacrament. It is also in line with the liturgy, where Catholics utter the words, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed," which are contradicted by taking Communion in the hand.
While the Church has allowed for diversity in liturgical practice, receiving Communion on the tongue is a right that should be respected. This method of reception has been practised throughout the Church's history and is preferred by many Catholics today. It is a sign of reverence for the Eucharist and an acknowledgement of God's sovereignty.
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Receiving Communion on the hand is desecration
The practice of receiving Communion on the tongue is believed to be of Apostolic origin, taught by Christ Himself. Numerous Popes and Saints have preferred this method, intuitively sensing that receiving Communion in the hand could demean or disregard God. In fact, Communion in the hand was condemned as an abuse at the Synod of Rouen in 650 AD. The universal law of the Latin rite is that Communion is received on the tongue, and by right, the faithful cannot be denied this option.
Allowing Communion in the hand has led to a lack of reverence and even desecration. There have been reports of deplorable behaviour, with people taking the Host out of church and either desecrating it or being careless with it. The practice also poses a risk of particles of the Sacred Host, which is the true Body and Blood of Christ, transferring to the hands of the recipient.
While some may argue for individual choice, it is important to consider the potential consequences of each option. Receiving Communion on the tongue ensures that the Eucharist is treated with the reverence it deserves and prevents any potential desecration. It is a more suitable approach to the sacrament itself, expressing the faithful's reverence and removing the danger of profanation.
In conclusion, receiving Communion on the hand can indeed be considered desecration due to the sacred nature of the Eucharist and the potential for a lack of reverence and desecration associated with this practice. The traditional method of receiving Communion on the tongue remains the preferred option for many Catholics, ensuring a respectful and dignified approach to the true Body and Blood of Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no Church law that forbids Catholics from receiving Communion on the tongue.
Some argue that receiving Communion on the tongue expresses reverence for the Eucharist and removes the danger of profanation of the sacred species. It is also considered a long-standing tradition and is believed to be preferred by numerous Popes and saints.
Some Catholics argue that receiving Communion on the tongue is an act of desecration, as only the priest should have the capacity to touch the Blessed Sacrament. They believe that receiving Communion in the hand acknowledges the sacredness of Christ's presence.
While some bishops may not permit Communion on the tongue, the universal law of the Latin rite states that Catholics have the right to receive Communion on the tongue.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some parishes encouraged or mandated receiving Communion in the hand as a safety precaution, which has continued even after the pandemic.
