Top 10 things to think about when receiving Holy Communion

by Lucy Arimond

1. As I stand up and move out into the aisle, I pray for the people around me, gathered in this building today, moving with me. Let myself go, into a connection with them that owes nothing to ordinary social relationships, but comes simply from what we are doing together right now.

2. This is a procession, not a grocery checkout line. Join it by singing, by walking as attentively as I can. If I can walk with fluid ease, thank God for the health of my body. If walking is hard for me, or if I must use a wheelchair, know that my suffering is joined with Christ's in this act.

3. Sing! This has nothing to do with having a "good" or "bad" singing voice. It is my voice, and sharing it builds the community and praises God.

4. As I get closer to the eucharistic minister, everything else starts to fade. Christ gave his whole life for us, every minute of it (including the end). By walking up here, we're putting our own lives on the line. I can't possibly live up to this; I fail in some measure every day. It doesn't matter, right now. For this moment, at least, God is helping us to give ourselves completely. So, like a crazy idiot, I find myself saying "You can do whatever you want with me."

5. Cup my hands. Bow. Look at the eucharistic minister. (There's a reason we receive communion from a person, not from a vending machine.) Amen. Taste and eat.

6. Reach out for the cup. Bow. Look at the minister. Amen. Taste and drink.

7. The next part just happens. Let it.

8. At the same time, get myself back to my pew, again moving thoughtfully. This is still a procession. But if I happen to see someone as I pass by, and he or she happens to be looking at me, go ahead and smile or nod or connect somehow. This isn't an interruption; it's an acknowledgment that we are united.

9. Back in the pew. Keep singing. But let that be just the surface level for whatever other "pillow talk" is going on now.

10. Some days I am overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving. Other days I am distracted and flatter than a pancake. It doesn't matter. God is doing all the heavy lifting here. Communion happens.