Don't go to Communion on ‘auto-pilot'

Monday, May 11, 2015

*Fr. Michael W Davis - St. Gregory the Great Catholic Parish

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Last month, nearly 90 second graders from our very own St. Theresa Catholic School received their first holy Communion. Earlier in the week, with anticipation building, they went to confession to make sure they were ready. On the day of first Communion, they arrived an hour early to get situated, accounted for, and lined up. Their excitement was palpable. Needless to say, all of us found ourselves in awe of their sincerity, their innocence, their faith, and the obviously well-rehearsed choreography that our children evidenced at these solemn ceremonies.

Their doting parents and grandparents could not contain their family pride, the joy in their hearts, and the tears in their eyes as these dear children processed down the main aisle of the Church of the Little Flower with great solemnity and with hands in prayer position. The seriousness with which these young people approached this great day in their lives (receiving Jesus in their first holy Communion) reminds us of how it is meant to be for all of us, even we adults, when we (the branches) keep ourselves connected to Christ (the true vine). Yes; we should always keep in mind the great privilege we have in being able to receive our eucharistic Lord in holy Communion.

Routine and being on “auto-pilot,” however, can be a killer of spiritual authenticity and depth. Unfortunately, when we fail to consciously consider what it is (or better stated, Who it is) that we are receiving, we can become very casual, and even take for granted the sublime gift of the Eucharist, the Bread of Angels and Cup of Eternal Salvation.

All of us in attendance were touched by the excitement of the children, and by their eager desire to receive Jesus. They knew Who they were receiving. They approached Him with great reverence. Do we do as much? As we rejoice in the beauty of this moment in the lives of our second graders, we are also reminded of the need to renew our own appreciation for holy Communion.

Do we prepare ourselves, with eagerness, for Mass? Or is it just routine and being on “auto-pilot”? Do we go to confession periodically, so as to get ready for what we are about to do? Are we properly disposed for Communion? Do we show anticipation and excitement, arriving on time and with punctuality? After all, are we not receiving the presence of Christ our Lord? Are we not encountering the Lord of glory and the God of Heaven and earth at each Eucharist? Or does our regular tardiness show a lack of regard for the Real Presence?

Do we realize where we are, in church, the House of God, refraining from unnecessary talking, cellphone use, fidgeting with things, and not paying attention? Or are we seeking to be reverent, in the posture and disposition of prayerful worship, cognizant of what we are doing? Do we receive Communion with understanding, and show reverence and respect? Do we say “Amen” as an acclamation of faith in the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament?

Out of embarrassment for lack of training, perhaps an irregular marital status, or inappropriate disposition to receive, some adults come forward, take the Blessed Sacrament and don’t even consume it, placing it in a missalette in the book racks. Some come forward while chewing gum. Some receive Eucharist and scurry out the side door, as if the Communion line is a mere “fast food line.” Will an additional five more minutes in church really be that painful? Some people gather in the vestibule and stir up conversation and disrupt the back half of the church which continues to try concentrate, to pray, to adore the Lord, and maintain their worshipful focus. Where is our regard for being in the House of God? None of these things reflect how any of us were trained when we got ready for our own first holy Communion.

Yes. It is easy to shift into autopilot, and forget how we were all originally trained and taught. More than that, some of us can easily take for granted the great privilege we have in receiving the Eucharist, and the reverence and respect that it so definitely deserves. May the children serve to remind us of the sincere faith and reverence that should always characterize our approach to the Blessed Sacrament.

This blog is taken from one of Father Davis' weekly messages to his parishioners.

Comments from readers

Helen Seufert - 05/16/2015 03:37 PM

Excellent!! This article should be put in the Catholic paper for all to read. About time someone speaks up. Now if we could only help them to dress properly too.

Shawn McKamey - 05/11/2015 10:05 PM

Amen, amen ... this is a message for every parish in the nation. It is for this reason I sometimes seek out a place far from the more conversant in the parish as it is a time to pray, to read the Sacred Page and to reflect on the theme of the mass. Thank you for this article, Father Davis.

Maria plasencia - 05/11/2015 06:27 PM

Thank you Father for such a beautiful message. That is exactly what we need to be reminded of once in a while in church by our priests, you hit the nail on the head. Once children make their Holy Commnion they will receive Our Lord with reverence until they get to the upper grades, they come back swinging their hands, looking around etc. they will soon start imitating their elders. I don't know where people go that they have to be so punctual? Is it more important Han the Mass they came late to. Is He happy to see so many of us not loving Him as he deserves to be loved? THE PRIEST NEED TO REMIND US EVERY WEEK OF WHAT WE LEARNED IN CATECISM! Our younger generation make their own rules of what a sin is. No matter how much of an example you were, forget confession, you go to communion even if you aren't ready. It's very scary, can we prepare a bit better?

Evalina Van Lengen - 05/11/2015 03:33 PM

Thank you, Father, for this beautiful message. This should be circulated all throughout the Archdiocese and the entire USA. You mentioned everything that goes on and hardly ever anything is mentioned or addressed to remind and correct. We must continue to pray for all peoples who have forgotten who they are receiving. God bless you.

Margaret Chuckaree - 05/11/2015 03:29 PM

This is a well time article and one we all need to read.

Helen Seufert - 05/16/2015 03:37 PM: Excellent!! This article should be put in the Catholic paper for all to read. About time someone speaks up. Now if we could only help them to dress properly too.

Shawn McKamey - 05/11/2015 10:05 PM: Amen, amen ... this is a message for every parish in the nation. It is for this reason I sometimes seek out a place far from the more conversant in the parish as it is a time to pray, to read the Sacred Page and to reflect on the theme of the mass. Thank you for this article, Father Davis.

Maria plasencia - 05/11/2015 06:27 PM: Thank you Father for such a beautiful message. That is exactly what we need to be reminded of once in a while in church by our priests, you hit the nail on the head. Once children make their Holy Commnion they will receive Our Lord with reverence until they get to the upper grades, they come back swinging their hands, looking around etc. they will soon start imitating their elders. I don't know where people go that they have to be so punctual? Is it more important Han the Mass they came late to. Is He happy to see so many of us not loving Him as he deserves to be loved? THE PRIEST NEED TO REMIND US EVERY WEEK OF WHAT WE LEARNED IN CATECISM! Our younger generation make their own rules of what a sin is. No matter how much of an example you were, forget confession, you go to communion even if you aren't ready. It's very scary, can we prepare a bit better?

Evalina Van Lengen - 05/11/2015 03:33 PM: Thank you, Father, for this beautiful message. This should be circulated all throughout the Archdiocese and the entire USA. You mentioned everything that goes on and hardly ever anything is mentioned or addressed to remind and correct. We must continue to pray for all peoples who have forgotten who they are receiving. God bless you.

Margaret Chuckaree - 05/11/2015 03:29 PM: This is a well time article and one we all need to read.