Communion, Invitation to Communion, & Communion Antiphon

Communion

  As Fr. Joseph McGloin teaches, “The word ‘communion’ is almost self-explanatory. Literally, it means ‘union with.’ It suggests a sharing, a mutual participation. Holy Communion, is, then, an intimate sharing in the life of Christ” (How to Get More Out of the Mass, p. 128). That is exactly what takes place in Holy Communion. We receive the Precious Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ into our bodies, and he unites us with himself. Unlike regular food which becomes part of our bodies, the Eucharist unites our bodies to the Lord. Fr. McGloin continues, “While the other sacraments bring us the grace of Christ, this one brings us the grace of Christ himself along with himself. Truly, a person with any faith in Christ would be foolish to neglect this great gift” (How to Get More Out of the Mass, p. 133).  

Did you notice he said sacrifice? Hopefully, this word reminds us of one of the names for the Mass—the Holy Sacrifice. As we have journeyed through the Mass, we have noted that the Mass is a true sharing in the Last Supper and in the Cross of Jesus. In the Mass, we are invited to participate in the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Fr. Guy Oury tells us how sacrifice and Holy Communion fit together in the Mass. He says, “The Mass is a sacrifice but also a repast, or rather, a sacrificial repast. It would not have meaning, at least not the meaning given it by the Lord, were it not also Communion.” He goes on to say, “The meal symbolizes the union between the God of the covenant and the people of God.”

   this meal is also the sacrifice of the Cross, where our sins are overcome and conquered once and for all. The meal is also an anticipation of the heavenly banquet, where we will celebrate with the Lord and the Communion of Saints forever. Finally, this special meal is also a means of unity among the faithful—the Body of Christ, the Church.

Invitation to Communion

   As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible ([Code of Canon Law] canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.

   Why fast for an hour before Communion? When we don’t eat, we become hungry. When we eat a lot, even if it is our favorite food, we don’t want more. Fasting is an age-old way of growing in hunger, in this case for the living God. Our hunger reminds us that we yearn to be filled up, that we yearn to have our hunger satisfied. This works for the body, but it also works for the soul. As we “clear out” room in our hearts through fasting, we realize that the empty space should be filled by God. As St. Augustine once famously said, the only one who really fills that hunger is God (“Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee”). Fasting for an hour helps ensure that we are better focused on God for our nourishment and prepared to receive him in Holy Communion. Fasting before the Mass generally covers food and non-necessary drinks such as alcohol, soda, etc. Water is allowed, as well as medicines. For those who are seriously ill (hospital, nursing home, homebound) and for those who care for them, the rule of fasting does not apply. For example, a person in the hospital who is eating lunch when the priest comes is allowed to receive Communion.

   These guidelines continue to emphasize our belief in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and provide guidance for people of various backgrounds who might be present at Mass.

Communion Antiphon

   During the reception of communion a hymn of thanksgiving is sung. It expresses our gratitude to God for the gift of Himself and our unity as a Church. If there is no music, the Communion antiphon, which is a Scripture verse, is read aloud from the Missal after the priest receives Communion.

Source: EucharisticRevival.org