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Why I Do Not Receive The Chalice

The primary reason is our faith. One reason the Council Fathers at the Second Vatican Council were skittish about Communion under both species is that the Council of Trent of happy memory had taught that the whole Christ is substantially present in one. That is, if you receive the Host alone, you have received the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord. Likewise, the chalice, if for some odd reason one did receive only the chalice.

It is actually confusing for the ministers of Holy Communion to say, "The Body of Christ," and "The Blood of Christ," respectively. This teaches the average person that part of Jesus is in the Host, and part of Jesus is in the chalice. This isn't what Our Lord is telling us to believe! I'm sure you've seen the surveys about what Joe and Sue Catholic believe about the Eucharist. It's not good.

Secondly, spillage and other desecration remains a perennial and valid concern. It is manifest silliness that Communion under both species was a rallying cry for the "Reformers," because nothing truly had been withheld from the people, if we understand the teaching. But notice how heresy affects even how we can see the prudential decisions of the Church. If we stop believing that Jesus speaks through His Church, almost anything becomes an occasion for hostility and separation.

As a person with a disability, I also do not care to touch anything that ought never be dropped. If the priest or his designated helper in the effort of giving Holy Communion to the people gets his finger licked, well, that's your cross today, pal. This is serious business. I can recall being in Denver several years ago, before I decided to receive only the Host. I took the chalice, I received, and the wise and holy minister noticed that the exchange was imperfect, let's say. I did not mind that he spent several moments in my face, making sure Our Lord was not left where He ought not be. I'm pretty high functioning, for a guy with a severe disability. Still, drinking things is always--always--interesting. Don't do it in these most sacred moments, if you don't have to.

We need to stop thinking in terms of privileges denied, and start honestly reflecting upon the generous gift of the Holy Sacrifice and Communion for us.
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