EPISTLES

Six years have passed since the Lord, in His mercy, showed me a way of greater reverence in approaching the holy mystery of the Eucharist. I decided then, and I still decide now, to receive the Holy Communion on the Tongue, or not to receive at all.

This choice was not made out of pride. It came from a deep love for our Savior. The path was full of trials, both from within and from outside. The world, with its shallow concerns and fear of human opinion, whispered doubts: “What will they say? Will the priest refuse? Will you be treated as strange?” These voices, born from worldly anxiety, tried to keep me from the way of true reverence.

But the Spirit within me, guided by the wisdom of the saints, reminded me of the Truth. This is God made man, the King of Kings, who humbled Himself to bring us salvation. How can I, a sinner, stand before Him as if I were His equal? Should I not, like a servant before his master, kneel in humble adoration?

This struggle, between flesh and spirit, lasted for many months. But by God’s grace, I chose reverence instead of convenience, humility instead of human respect. I chose to receive Communion on the Tongue, even though the custom today in the Novus Ordo Masses is different. I do this, my brethren, as the least offering I can give to a God who loves us without limit.

The crisis in the Church today is not only caused by poor teaching or careless shepherds. It is a crisis of faith, made clear by how we treat the Holy Eucharist. If we truly believe that Christ is present in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, how can we treat Him like ordinary bread?

The practice of receiving Communion kneeling and on the tongue is a profound way to express our reverence. It has a significant impact on the soul and the Church, and I want to share six reasons why returning to this custom would be so beneficial:

First, it is an act of great humility before God. When we kneel, we admit our nothingness before the Almighty. If kings and saints knelt before Christ, how much more should we?

Second, it strengthens our belief in the Real Presence. Actions speak louder than words. If we treat the Eucharist irreverently, our faith becomes weak. Kneeling and receiving on the tongue shows the sacredness of this Sacrament.

Third, it protects the Eucharist from abuse. Many hosts are lost or treated without respect when given in the hand. Receiving on the tongue prevents most of these wrongs.

Fourth, it follows the sacred tradition and the teaching of the Magisterium. For many centuries, Communion on the tongue was the norm in the whole Church. The giving of Communion in the hand is a recent exception that began through disobedience during the time of Pope Paul VI.

Fifth, it increases our personal devotion to Christ. It reminds us that we are receiving a Person, not a thing. This changes the way we attend Mass and increases our love for the Lord.

Sixth, it challenges the spirit of the times. If more people receive this way, parishes will provide kneelers and separate lines. This will remind priests of their true mission and inspire the people to greater reverence. By reducing offenses against God, this practice may, by His will, lead to the conversion of many souls.

Remember the words of St. Thomas Aquinas: “Out of reverence towards this Sacrament, nothing touches it but what is consecrated.”

The dispensing of Christ’s body belongs to the priest for three reasons. First, because, as was said above (Article 1), he consecrates as in the person of Christ. But as Christ consecrated His body at the supper, so also He gave it to others to be partaken of by them. Accordingly, as the consecration of Christ’s body belongs to the priest, so likewise does the dispensing belong to him. Secondly, because the priest is the appointed intermediary between God and the people; hence as it belongs to him to offer the people’s gifts to God, so it belongs to him to deliver consecrated gifts to the people. Thirdly, because out of reverence towards this sacrament, nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest’s hands, for touching this sacrament. Hence it is not lawful for anyone else to touch it except from necessity, for instance, if it were to fall upon the ground, or else in some other case of urgency.

Summa Theologiae, Part III, Question 82, Article 3

The crisis of faith needs an answer, not from loud statements, but from the faithful, both priests and lay people, who are ready to teach, to lead by example, and to bring reverence back to the Church.

The wounds of the Church will not be healed by words or events like Eucharistic Conferences. We must return to reverent and traditional ways, such as receiving our Lord on the tongue while kneeling.

Though I recognize that Communion in the hand is permitted, I find that it lacks the profound reverence I feel is due to the Eucharist. I worry that this practice, when not carefully guarded, may lead to unfortunate spiritual abuses and inadvertently weaken our communal faith.

For the sake of preserving the highest reverence, I deeply believe that a return to Communion on the tongue will help safeguard the beauty of true Catholic worship for generations to come.

As faithful Catholics, we are encouraged to reflect deeply on how we receive our Lord. Consider embracing Communion on the tongue, perhaps kneeling, as a beautiful path toward greater personal reverence and adoration.