Dear Parishioners,
As the Church in the United States embarks on a period of Eucharistic Renewal, highlighted by the recent National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, it is an opportune time to reflect on the profound gift of the Holy Eucharist. The Readings for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time offer us powerful Eucharistic themes. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, the miraculous feeding of a hundred men with twenty barley loaves prefigures the greater miracle in John 6:1-15, where Jesus feeds five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish. These events highlight the abundance of God’s providence and the spiritual nourishment we receive through the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the true Real Presence of Jesus Christ—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1374). The Catechism instructs us to be respectful as we approach and return from the Altar. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal advises: “When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister” (GIRM 160). In practice, when the priest holds up the Host and says, “The Body of Christ,” the communicant should audibly respond, “Amen”, meaning “Yes, it is true”. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. If one is right-handed, the left hand should rest upon the right. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. If one is left-handed this is reversed. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. Then, it is imperative that everyone consumes the Host in the presence of the priest or minister before turning to return to the pew.
Reception of the Holy Eucharist is a privilege, not a right, and we must never take this reception for granted. To receive the Eucharist worthily, the Church instructs us to abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before Communion (Canon 919 §1). This fast is a sign of respect and a way to prepare our hearts for receiving Christ. Additionally, we must be in a state of grace, free from mortal sin, to receive Communion. If one is aware of having committed a grave sin, a sacramental confession is required before approaching the Eucharist (Canon 916). Receiving Communion in a state of mortal sin is itself a serious sin of sacrilege.
If someone is conscious of grave sin and unable to confess beforehand, they must make an act of perfect contrition, which includes a sincere resolution to confess as soon as possible (Canon 916). Additionally, those unable to receive the Eucharist can engage in “spiritual communion,” expressing a sincere desire to unite with Christ and a commitment to seek sacramental confession at the earliest opportunity.
Occasionally, I have noticed that some individuals do not consume the Consecrated Host immediately after receiving it. In some instances, the Host is taken away or even placed in a pocket, which is not permissible. The Host must be consumed immediately in front of the priest or minister. To ensure the sanctity of the Eucharist, I ask everyone, especially the ushers, who should always stand reverently on either side of the communion line, to be vigilant. If you see someone walking away with the Host in hand, please gently remind them to consume it immediately, or firmly ask them to return it to you if necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation. I am continually inspired by the devotion and respect our parish community shows during Mass. Together, let us embody the ancient Christian principle, “lex orandi, lex credendi”—how we pray reflects what we believe.
Yours in Christ,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham