During this year of Eucharistic Renewal, we are reminded again and again to renew our faith and awe at the real and true presence body and blood soul and divinity of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is a disastrous and concerning reality that only some 33% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence despite all the biblical reference to Jesus’ words that indicate that it is a literal reality and not merely a symbol or pious way of speaking. For example, when Jesus speaks of himself as the bread of life and of his body and blood as food and drink and people walk away, he doesn’t back down and “dumb down” his teaching. (Cf Jn 6:35 and Jn 6:53-56).
It is called a sacramental presence because what is physically seen is bread and wine, but what is the reality is the body and blood soul and divinity of Christ. Very simply, it looks like bread and wine, but it isn’t. It is the true body and blood of Jesus.
There is a saying: Lex orandi . lex credendi…. How we pray shows what we really believe. This is true also of our posture when approaching to receive Holy Communion. Hands in pockets looks like you are in line to buy a movie ticket rather than approaching Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in the Holy Eucharist. Our outward posture says something about what we truly believe.
In his public Masses during these years of Eucharistic Revival. Bishop Malloy makes it a point to remind us how to receive Holy Communion. In the United Sates we make a slight bow as the person in front of us is receiving. If you receive in the hand, make a throne for the King as St. John Chrysostom says by placing your right open palm over your left open palm. Take a step to one side and place the Host in your mouth. Do not walk away with it. We need to assure that the Holy Eucharist will not be abused or misused in any sacrilegious way, so we need to see you consume the Sacred Host. If you receive on the tongue open your mouth wide and extend your tongue over your lower teeth and lip. Always answer “Amen” before consuming the Sacred Host and not after. You should make the Sign of the Cross after consuming the Sacred Host. It is extremely improper to make the Sign of the Cross with the Host in your hand.
All in all, a great and wonderous gift.
Saint James Catholic Church 