“Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.”
The words are familiar to every Catholic about to receive Holy Communion at Mass. Little did John the Baptist know that his declaration prophesied the Eucharist. Little did he know that a priest would use his words to reinforce reverence for the Eucharist.
School principals lecturing the kids to clean up after themselves is annoying. It may also be aggravating to hear a priest spending quality pulpit time talking about reverence for the Eucharist and explaining practices that reinforce devotion. But know this: many priests had to endure the corrections as a kid by the nuns and do not mind channeling the same discipline today.
In any case, here are some thoughts to improve the externals of our Eucharistic devotion.
- Arrive on time.
We all run late at times, but when we consistently run late, we have a problem. The mandatory count of Mass attendees recently revealed that over 30 percent of the people come late to Mass, usually skipping the Penitential Rite (“I confess” and “Lord have mercy”). From a statistical perspective, the high rate suggests habit.
Reasons vary, of course. We have become so familiar with the Mass that we’ve grown casual about it. None of us would habitually come late to movie theaters.
The whole Mass is the perfect worship of God. Arrive in time to invoke the Holy Spirit to help you participate worthily. Coming on time is sometimes all we can manage, but arriving on time is to be late.
- Genuflect before entering the pew.
If in doubt, observe the youngsters. Sometimes the best an oldster with creaky bones can do is to bow respectfully.
- Maintain reverent silence and subdued speech.
Upon entering a church, greeting family and friends with discretion is customary. We smile, say good morning under our breath, and so on. There is always room for such courtesies. But there is a problem when we hear a crescendo of chit-chatting, oblivious to the tabernacle and people praying.
- Vocalize the responses in rhythm.
During Mass, we vocalize a conversation with God. With every ritual, maintaining attention is difficult. So it helps when we correctly and humbly respond (e.g., “And with your spirit”). If our lips are closed when we’re supposed to vocalize prayer, the silence indicates that our minds are probably distracted.
- Listen attentively during the readings.
You can check your text messages and clip your fingernails later. (We’ve seen it all!)
- Think about the structure of the Mass.
It takes a lifetime to understand the splendor of the Mass. We prepare for Holy Communion by confessing our sins, glorifying God, and listening to his word. We affirm our faith in the Creed, beg God for favors, and offer him bread and wine, the work of our hands. We enter into the re-presentation of the cross and the Resurrection, and we receive his body, blood, soul, and divinity. He blesses us and sends us into the world to continue his work of redemption.
- Control your kids.
Every parent knows that controlling a riotous baby is tricky. There is a difference between a child chirping and a temper tantrum. Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run.
- Focus on the consecration.
The consecration of the Mass is the central sacred event. The ringing of the bells wakes us from our slumber and reminds us to pay attention to our Lord’s return, his real presence under the appearances of bread and wine, and his holy cross of sacrifice.
- Recite the Lord’s Prayer with devotion.
Jesus speaks to us directly and personally during the Our Father. We place his words on our lips. The Lord’s Prayer is the perfect prayer because Jesus crafted it.
- Before Communion, focus on the words of John the Baptist.
When the priest raises the host and directs us to “behold the Lamb of God,” all activity should stop. Gaze upon the host with devotion. Do not use the sacred moment as a distraction to rush to the lavatories. Even the ushers bend a knee.
- Approach Communion with reverence.
The priest works hard during the distribution of Communion as you pray. Give him his space. As a priest makes a special delivery in the congregation, respectfully hold your position. There is no need to beat him as if you’re outracing traffic on the Interstate. Be polite.
- Receive Communion with devotion, and stay in your lane.
The rail provides an efficient way to distribute Communion . . . but you must play your part. Stay in your lane with good posture. You know the options: kneel or stand, receive on the hand or the tongue. Communion on the tongue while kneeling is the best option, if possible. But sometimes it’s not possible.
When receiving on the tongue, moisten your tongue, tilt your head, and close your eyes. Open eyes often cause you to lunge for the host. The priest values his fingers and hygiene.
When receiving on the hand, be graceful. Please don’t clutch or grab.
In both cases, be polite. Keep your elbows off the table, just as your mother taught you. Do not extend into the lane of the priest with your hands and arms.
- Say “amen” as if you mean it.
When we receive Holy Communion, by responding “amen,” we not only acknowledge our reception of Jesus, but renew our baptismal promises and our belief in all that the Church teaches: Creed, commandments, sacraments, and prayer. Every “amen” we make throughout the Mass also assents to the recited prayers. Use vocal cords unless you’re hoarse.
In the meantime, expect priests to celebrate Mass with devotion and do their part as good examples. Indulge their quirks and failures as they indulge yours—up to a point. (If they’re messing with the Mass, clobber them . . . metaphorically.)
“Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”