There has been a lot of debate lately during this pandemic about reception of Holy Communion -- is it OK to receive it on the tongue or still only on the palm of the hand. Some become angry when the they are asked to extend their hands instead of the tongue. As a pastor, I hear from many of our parishioners and sometimes I wonder what is most important to some: is it, how do I receive Holy Communion, or am I even worthy to receive Holy Communion? Today in the Gospel Jesus uses very strong words: “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!” I think some of us should take these words deep into their hearts and ask themselves: am I clean inside? Is my heart a worthy place for Jesus in the Eucharist? It is not so much about how I receive Him, but more about becoming a Holy person because He comes to me. If I only come to make a statement, to argue, to be stubborn, to be angry because it is not the way I want, maybe it would be better not to receive Jesus into my angry heart?
