I can still recall my reaction the very first time I ever saw communion in the hand. I recall being completely stunned - not knowing whether to think the priest was a devil or something, or those who received the host on their hands were. Back then, for those of us who were taught over and over again that the whole idea was a sacriledge, it was a shocking experience to say the least.
We've come a long way baby, the practice of communion in the hand, sign of peace and the other novelties were supposed to more closely unite us with Christ - strange how it has accomplished the exact opposite right under of the noses of everyone.
Strange...and I am beginning to suspect intentional.
Communion in the hand goes right along with disavowing the Real Presense.