Receiving Holy Communion (2)

I do not understand why those who do not agree how we should receive Holy Communion should be at each other's throats.

Receiving the Sacred Host on the tongue or in the hand is not one of the Ten Commandments, and like many other rites, functions, ceremonies and so on, this is, as far as I know, the prerogative of the diocese concerned.

In such cases the Church considers the times and prevailing circumstances and decides what is best accordingly.

Many times the Church is accused of being old-fashioned, and then when changes are made to keep abreast with modern times and needs, we start arguing for and against. It seems we are never satisfied and always want to have the last word and to be above our priests, bishops and perhaps the Pope.

Our intentions and dispositions when receiving Holy Communion should be far more important than questioning how, where or why. Regarding what was said in a letter published last Sunday, in the past, whenever a host was dropped during Holy Communion, a bell was not placed on the host, but the celebrant first picked up the host and placed it in a fingerbowl filled with water on the altar or else took it himself, and then placed the bell over the spot.

When Mass ended, he would pour water from the cruet and with the manus terge - a white handkerchief - thoroughly cleanse the spot.

Later, when the host would have dissolved, the water was thrown in the soil of a pot or garden but never down the drain. This is how I am sure it happened when I was a child and I have seen this many times.

We should concentrate more on what we receive rather than how, as this is not really the most important thing; the former is.