Communion and Blessings
A very common liturgical abuse of our times
happens during the reception of Holy
Communion when persons who cannot receive
Communion nevertheless line up with their arms
crossed over their chest, as a “message” to the
priest that they want a blessing instead of
Communion. This is liturgically incorrect on a
number of levels. First and foremost, the time for
Communion is the time for Communion. The
Communion line is not, and should not be, the
blessing line. Secondly, the liturgical actions of
the priest during Mass are highly regulated, and
quite specific of what to do and when to do it.
The actions of a good liturgist may seem
spontaneous, but they are not and should not be.
Unfortunately, owing to the confused time in
which we live, some people are instructed to
present themselves, arms crossed, before the
priest at Communion time for a blessing. To
make things even more confused, some people
present themselves with crossed arms as a sign
that they wish to receive on the tongue! Children
who have not yet made their first Communion
may come up with their parents who are
receiving, but should not present themselves
individually for a blessing. Others, who cannot
receive, for whatever reason, should remain
seated. The proper time for the blessing follows
the prayer after Communion, which blessing all
receive together.