Swallowing the Eucharist?

I’ve read that you need to swallow the Eucharist when receiving Holy Communion and not let it dissolve on your tongue, is that true? I have been letting it dissolve on my tongue in the past but I am trying to get into the habit of swallowing it.

 

I've never heard that you can't let it dissolve on your tongue. I've only been taught that it's disrespectful to chew it, so I always let it dissolve until swallowable. Honestly, though, I really think it's up to what the individual believes is respectful. There's no rule on this that I know of, just opinions. I could be wrong.

 

Huh, I thought it was better to let the Eucharist dissolve. In addition to seeming more respectful than chewing, chewing also has the problem that bits might get stuck in your teeth and then you have to worry about brushing your teeth later (like you might spit some out if it hasn't been long enough, God forbid).

 

RW,

If your purpose is to experience a sense of Jesus' Presence for a longer time, it's a loving thought, nor is it a sin. But when I was being trained by the good nuns in preparation for my First Holy Communion, I can remember them telling me to neither chew the Sacred Host nor allow it to stick to the roof of my mouth. They did so in fear that a particle of the Sacred Host might unknowingly be wedged between teeth or I might have to use a finger to peel It off the roof of our mouth. They said the transformation of one's soul was the reason for Christ's precious Gift!

But to be honest, I must admit that as a Deacon assisting at the altar, I receive from my Pastor half of the large Host and immediately thereafter the Precious Blood from the Chalice. In that situation, I have no choice but to chew the Sacred Host so as to receive the Precious Blood.

Ultimately, each of us need to focus on the impact of Holy Communion on the soul. Reflecting on the transformational power of the Eucharist after receiving is so important, for we so quickly move on with daily activities. Reverently praying the Anima Christi prayer is always a blessing:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.

 

Adjustment made above after reflecting on the dilemma of being a Deacon.

 

The nuns taught us the very same thing, but without any explanation why. I found the avoidance of touching the Host with my teeth tended to direct it towards the roof of my mouth! However, they did get the message of reverence across. Then, we were told we were to take the Eucharist in our hands. It's very obvious nowadays that nobody is being taught the notion of reverence anymore.

 

I think a natural sense of reverence teaches us not to chew.

 

RosaryWielder, I'm no kind of authority, but I'm prone to scruples. I don't think you have a problem. Your only concern is for being reverent, as far as I can see...and that's what's important.

 

Right.
I have dental work. The Lord knows that. Reverence and prayer are the key here.

 

I grew up next door to a devout Catholic family. The mother always drank some water after returning home from Mass and Holy Communion before she ate or drank anything else. I think of her often.
It’s a good habit to get into. Or carry a water bottle and drink some after Mass.

 

Yes, growing up it was like a ritual in the O'Loughlin household!

 

CAUGHT ON VIDEO: Beating Heart of Jesus in new EUCHARISTIC MIRACLE in Mexico?

 

In my belief, when our Lord handed chunks of bread to His Apostles.. did they let the chunks sit on their tongues awaiting it to dissolve? Or did they not simply Eat the Bread as they normally would?
In my belief, it's not the manner in which one 'Eats' the host which carries weight, it is the Belief that we're all sharing in Jesus' Body (and Blood) together - in a spiritual manner!
Our Obedience to God - with respect to His Two Main Commands - Love Neighbor in Action, Love God/Love... are what's most weighty! .... All things equal? -> All else should never weigh us down.

 

Very wonderful if true. What I don't understand in this modern world of these videos that get posted, is the video quality is awful and grainy. That makes me a bit suspect that there are not clearer videos out there. For example, look how clear the video is of the man doing this video. Surely there has to be an Iphone 6 or better in the groups of these people witnessing this miracle that would have a much clearer video of the miracle.

 

Consider the real meaning of the translation from Greek

• In fact the Greek word, trogo, which is translated as “eat” is actually more accurately translated as “gnaw” or “chew”; this word is never used figuratively in the Greek.

 

Great point. When one thinks about it, there is something very visceral (viscera=the internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially those in the abdomen, e.g. the intestines) about Our Lord's offer that we eat His Body and drink His Blood. This teaching repelled many in His own time; it continues to do so. Is it unfair to say that there's nothing effete or overly delicate about it? Are we meant to eat and drink heartily of His Body and Blood, the only provisos being we accept this Reality and are worthy of It (in as much as we can be)? If some part of His Body and/or Blood is unintentionally spilt in the process, is He not capable of looking after Himself?

 

reading the didache (first century christian catechism) there is a mention of the symbolism of breaking bread (like the people of god that dispersed in the world), I don't know if this also fits the permission to chew the Eucharistic bread.

Eucharist
The Didache includes two primitive and unusual prayers for the Eucharist ("thanksgiving"),[2] which is the central act of Christian worship.[45] It is the earliest text to refer to this rite as the Eucharist.[45]

Chapter 9 begins:

Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:
We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which Thou madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever...

And concerning the broken bread:

We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which Thou madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever.
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didache

 

Yep... Whenever I eat a chunk of bread, I gnaw/chew it..

That said, I've never - nor was I ever taught to - let the host sit on my tongue until it melts..
That said, I've either quickly swallowed and even chewed .. but never gnawed..