An interesting question. Would you agree that most people who attend mass should not be receiving communion, because they are not in a state of grace? And, if you are not going to participate in the sacrament, is there a qualitative difference in being in the church versus watching it from home? What about being in the church building, but in a separate crying room with closed-circuit TV?
Without judging anyone in particular, it certainly is strange that hardly anyone abstains from taking Communion. And Confession is becoming more of a rare practice as well. Draw your own conclusions.
It should be said that in the olden days perhaps people felt too much the weight of sin keeping them "impure" for Communion. The pendulum has swung too far the other way now.
And, if you are not going to participate in the sacrament, is there a qualitative difference in being in the church versus watching it from home?
Is there a qualitative difference between watching the Packers on your RCA versus being at Lambeau Field?
That one is not in a state of grace to receive does not relieve one of the duty to worship and participate as fully as possible.
What about being in the church building, but in a separate crying room with closed-circuit TV?
If need requires (that is an actual crying baby) this concession is given, but one is still expected to make it to the altar for Communion. Likewise if a Churhc is too crowded and overflows onto the sidewalk or an auxiliary building, one can not accuse you of "missing" Mass because one is physically prevented from entering the building.
SD