The Salty Catholic: 5 Reasons I don't receive Holy Communion in the Hand

Since I like quotes, and I like Church teachings even more, let's begin this post with a very important one.

The Council of Trent, Canon I: "If anyone denieth, that, in the sacrament of the most holy Eucharist, are contained, truly, really and substantially, the Body and Blood together with the Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ; but saith that He is only therein as a sign, or in figure, or virtue; let him be anathema."

In simpler terms, this means that whoever denies that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, is to put it quite frankly, a heretic. One of the first to deny the Real Presence in the Eucharist was Martin Luther, the founder of Protestantism. However, this post is not about the Reformation or Martin Luther, so we will leave that behind for another day. This post is about Holy Communion, and how it is received. However, before I begin I must say this: this post is not about liturgical snobbery or having a hoity-toity, "I'm holier than thou" attitude. This is a sensitive topic for some, but I will do my best to go at it as charitably and honestly as possible. Disclaimer over, let the list-making begin!

Through my own personal decision, I never touch the Eucharist. This means that I don't receive Holy Communion in the hand, nor will I ever be a Eucharistic minister, even if my diocese allows both. But why not?

1) I am not worthy to touch the Sacred Host.

I'm only a layperson, not a priest. Therefore, my hands are unconsecrated and unworthy of ever touching the Blessed Sacrament. Also, because the Holy Eucharist comes from God, which makes it incredibly holy, hence it being the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, it is all the more another reason to not touch or receive it in the hand.

2) Philippians 2:9-11

"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

As the priest (or in other cases, Eucharistic ministers, which are unnecessary by the way) says to the Communicant, "Body of Christ" it isn't very reverent to simply continue standing and only answer, "Amen" while taking the Host with their own hands and consuming it. In contrast, by kneeling to receive the Sacred Host and not taking Him into your own hands, not only are you honoring the name of Jesus, but also acknowledging His Divinity before you. This brings us to the next reason.

3) To kneel before receiving Christ in the Eucharist is to first adore and worship Him.

What do we do when we pass a Tabernacle or a monstrance containing Christ? We kneel (or genuflect) to honor Him and give Him His due worship. Why is receiving Him in Communion any different? It should not be, even more so because this time He is fully exposed and right in front of our noses. He is the King of kings and kings are showed honor, reverence, respect and humility when approached. Does the Divine King of kings deserve anything less, especially when He's right in front you? (no!)

4) Receiving Communion on the tongue diminishes chances of desecration.

Let's be honest. As unfortunate as it is, desecration of the Holy Eucharist happens. Sometimes it is by accident, sometimes it is not. I find it very risky to take Holy Communion in the hand, because there's always the possibility of dropping Him on the floor or fragments of the Host remaining on the hands... which results in desecration. Or even worse: the Host being stolen, followed by more desecration. This is why I am a firm advocate of altar rails and only allowing priests to distribute Holy Communion. Through these means, desecrations would nearly cease to exist. By the Eucharist being in the responsible (and consecrated) hands of only the priest, with a paten underneath the Communicant, Holy Communion would be restored to its sacred entirety. However, even though most parishes no longer have altar rails, do not let that stop or hinder you from receiving Christ in the Eucharist with all of the honor and reverence He fully deserves.

5) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greatly encouraged receiving Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling.

During his pontificate, Pope Emeritus Benedict only distributed Holy Communion to the faithful, on the tongue as they were kneeling. Our former Holy Father realized the importance and need to return to this traditional way of receiving Christ, otherwise he would not have made it a necessity.

So there you have it. In no particular order, those are some of my reasons for receiving Holy Communion the traditional way. Not everyone will agree with these reasons, but oh well. Before I leave you, I ask of one thing; look deep into your relationship with Christ in the Eucharist, and meditate on that.