[SuziQ]

I remember seeing people receive Communion on the tongue, when it was the only way to do it, when I was growing up. There were still people who didn't receive in a prayerful manner, or who looked nothing but bored, after they'd turned away from the Communion Rail.

On the other hand, I see people sometimes receive on the tongue, and they seem to be nothing if not awed by their being able to receive Jesus directly into their bodies and their hearts.

It's not about the manner of reception, it's about the attitude of the receiver.

[circlecity]

The Bible is not kind to those who would corrupt the Eucharist. I hope she considers the consequences of her actions.

[mlizzy]

It's not about the manner of reception, it's about the attitude of the receiver.

Of course, you are right about that, but a totally respectful mass brings about a solid attitude in the receiver, or at the very least, helps in that regard.

When one attends a Tridentine Mass, or a Novus Ordo Mass with the rubrics from a Tridentine, you can easily delineate the strong difference between these type masses and a more "standard" version which is the most common mass today in the Catholic Church. Ways to make mass instantly more respectful.

Appropriate music (Gregorian Chant, yes!)
Incense
Silence
No female altar servers
No Eucharistic ministers, male or female
Communion on tongue at the altar
Respectful dress or be sent home
Confession available during, before and after the mass
No sign of peace (it's distracting)
No bringing up of the collection (distracting again)
Priest facing the altar (we should all be facing the Lord)
As many statues as the particular Church can afford

I feel spoiled rotten that I've come upon a church (within driving distance -- St. John Cantius, Chicago) that respects the Lord so highly during their mass. I'm so happy to attend a Tridentine there, but also the Novus Ordo Latin Mass done with full and utter respect in gear. Last Sunday, they had 15 altar servers at their Novus Ordo Mass (all boys/men, so all potential priests!), ranging in age from about 8 to 38. Spectacular!

[wideawake]

"It's not about the manner of reception, it's about the attitude of the receiver."

The Catholic Church is open to all Catholics, not just the devout.

A devout Catholic would receive the Eucharist in the hand just as reverently as they would receive the Eucharist on the tongue.

But the majority - who receive the Eucharist simply as routine, whether they've gone to confession or not, whether they are paying attention or not - need the formality.

They need it for two reasons: (1) it is the only time they are fed anything directly by mouth - it stands out experientially. It separates the Eucharist from any other meal they eat.

(2) It almost eliminates the possibility for desecration.