Eucharistic Reflection - The Reverence Our Lord Deserves

"After having received the Sacred Host, one should hold it for a moment in the mouth until it is sufficiently damp and can be swallowed more easily. If this is not done, the host may cling to the roof of the mouth and the person is so busy trying to get it loose and swallow it that he has no attention to give to prayer.

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And one should remain for some time in church, giving thanks to God and speaking to Him who is present in one's breast. Under no circumstances should we, immediately after receiving Communion, congregate with others and spend the time laughing and conversing. This is reprehensible indeed. What bad manners it would be to receive a guest into one's house and then immediately turn your back on him to talk and laugh with others.

Cajetan says that this Sacrament communicates grace to the soul not only at the moment it is received, but as long as the sacred species remain in the body. All the more reason why a man should spend some time in prayer and recollection after Communion. And because the principal faculties by which the Holy Ghost enters us to influence us with His grace are the intellect and will, there is no reason why these two gates should closed at this time, which happens if the mind is diverted to other things. And since this is one of the best fruits of Communion, it is well that a man at this time should use the time to open his soul and receive the fruit of the Sacrament."

(Ven. Louis Granada, O.P. from Summa of the Christian Life)

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