To prepare for worthy reception of this Sacrament, the faithful should

observe the fast required by their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures,

clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment

when Christ becomes our guest. (CCC, #1387)

The focus on this paragraph of the Catechism is on preparation for the reception of Communion. How we are to prepare has been laid out for us by the rubrics of the Mass and by the teachings of the various liturgical documents issued by the Magisterium, in particular the General Instruction on the Roman Missal. It is important to have the right attitude about these teachings. They are a constant reminder to us that in the Mass we are not just doing our own thing, but we are celebrating the Mass of the Church and therefore we should approach all aspects of this holy Sacrifice as the Church teaches us because that will enable us to more fully cooperate with the Lord's grace there and enter more deeply into the Mystery of this sharing of His life with us, as well as giving us a concrete opportunity to surrender our own will, our own approach, to His will as expressed by His Church. What follows is a series of questions to help us reflect on our approach to Communion:

1. Have I observed the Eucharistic fast?

{"One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink,

with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour

before Holy Communion." (Canon 919, The Code of Canon Law.)}

2. Have I knelt during the Consecration?
{"The people begin kneeling after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the

Amen of the Eucharistic prayer."(General Instruction on the Roman Missal, Appendix

for the Dioceses of the United States.)}

3. Have I made an appropriate sign of respect before I receive the Eucharist?

{"The communicants approach, make a suitable reverence, and stand in front of the

celebrant." (GIRM, #246b).}

4. Have I shown respect for the presence of the Eucharist in the Tabernacle?

{"If there is a Tabernacle with the blessed Sacrament in the sanctuary, a genuflection

is made before and after Mass and whenever passing in front of the Sacrament."

(GIRM, #233)}

5. Have I shown respect for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by arriving

on time?