Do people still unreservedly believe in the Holy Eucharist? With all the material distractions of life, are people really aware of the Presence in the Eucharist? Can they put aside the ways of the world and concentrate on the awesomeness of this Gift from God? From personal observation, I am finding it hard to assume that many people accept the Holy Eucharist for what It is and venerate It as such.
On too many occasions, I have watched Eucharistic Ministers literally pop a Host into their pyx, drop it into a convenient pocket or purse and pursue their morning as usual until they make delivery of said Host. Where has our awe of God gone? When and how did He cease to become the center of our lives? And are there enough people left to care?
We have become a community-oriented church with God as a sideline. The tabernacle isn't always the center of the church. Confusion can reign as each person attempts to figure out where to genuflect. Eventually, they just give a general bow in the perceived direction. God died for us and we have trouble doing more than a perfunctory head bow.
Once upon a time, it was unusual to see someone standing to receive Communion. Now kneeling to receive our Lord and Savior is frowned upon. It disrupts the procession. It annoys those who do not choose to do so. Freedom of choice, even when supported by Canon Law, isn't always allowed.
After watching the Holy Eucharist being almost bandied about by Eucharist Ministers, I decided to ask a few hypothetical questions from the parish powers that be. A deacon said that there was really no problem with carrying the Blessed Sacrament around in purse or pocket. In fact, some people needed to have breakfast before making their rounds at the rest homes or hospitals. No problem in taking our Lord along for the ride. When he was asked about the propriety of Eucharistic Ministers chatting animatedly after Mass, we were told that we all (having come from Mass and reception of Holy Communion) have Jesus in us.
A priest, queried on the same matter, sat down tiredly and with some dismay when I related the reason for my questions. He said that the Holy Eucharist should never be carried in a purse or pocket. It should be contained in a pyx and kept in a burse around the neck until it is given to the home bound communicant. Talking should be kept at a minimum and a few words to people along the way should suffice to get the message across that they are in the Presence. We acknowledge His presence in the tabernacle. Does He go through a drastic change back to mere bread once He leaves the church?
A very sad aspect is that no one is surprised about anything anymore. In fact, they usually can top my stories with an even greater disregard for the Blessed Sacrament. When I reach a low point, I, at least, have the comfort of knowing Eucharistic Ministers who do use a pyx. One friend related that she was brought Communion while she was in the hospital. The deacon used an empty, plastic, margarine container. Would this person give up his life to safeguard the contents of his margarine tub?
