If you follow Catholic news agencies, or Bishop Robert Barron, you’ve undoubtedly read about the statistics on how many Catholics, or a percentage of Catholics, do not believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
I’m saddened by the volumes of Catholics who believe the Host and Wine are just symbolic, but I cannot say that I am surprised.
I can recall many years ago, the pastor at my parish lectured us before Mass that ‘we in the United States do not kneel for Holy Communion’, and chastised women who chose to do so in spite of his lecture. Hm. He also did not believe that we should bow or make the Sign of the Cross before receiving Holy Communion. Hm. Did that ever happen to you?
As I sat in a front pew yesterday morning at Mass, I watched as people came up to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord. Many received the Host on the tongue, many in the hands. Some that received in the hands took the Host from the EM rather than receiving it. I saw many young people receiving the Host with love and tenderness and taking great care to consume it carefully. And then, I saw many women who, with the Body of Christ still not consumed, but in the mouth, stop to talk with others. I was mortified.
In my non-expert opinion, from watching and observing over the last 40 years or so, respect for the presence of the Eucharist has diminished in many forms. The awe that we used to have, just knowing that this was the Body of Christ – where did that go? Why, oh why, did the ringing of the bells stop? How about we bring that back? There is not a care for catching a host on a paten should it fall. Why? Why is there not an altar server holding a paten under that hand or tongue? How can people think it is ok to talk while still consuming the Host? How is it that after receiving the Body and Blood, people feel free to carry on conversations as though they are at a restaurant?
I understand some parishes, including my own, are having special sessions to talk to parishioners about the real Presence of Christ in that little Host. Maybe our priests could consider taking a pause when the EM’s are coming on to the altar, to remind people to be reverent, respectful, prayerful – that they are holding Jesus!
I would love for this to be shown at Mass, on a regular basis , “Jesus is on the floor”, https://youtu.be/YVjVNb4bSnU.
Finding my Voice 