Today on the feast day of Saint Pope Pius X, I wanted to reflect on the Eucharist. This is especially meaningful, since we are beginning our period of Eucharistic Revival. Saint Pope Pius X clearly understood the importance of reception of Christ, and changed the age of reason to seven years old.
That leads me to ask a question. Knowing the importance of the Eucharist, why do we withhold it so long for adults? Why do we find that a seven-year-old has a greater grasp of the Eucharist than an adult? If a seven year old is worthy enough to understand the importance of Christ, why the do we wait for so long on adults?
The RCIA or OCIA process is quite burdensome. Now, I understand a need for catechesis. We've been horribly catechized in the past, but perhaps we need to see catechesis as an ongoing effort. While we are required to go to mass on Sundays in the holy days of obligation, that's just the minimum. Why don't we have ongoing catechesis for adults? Why can't we make a decision to allow those whom come to understand what the Eucharist is, receive it? Why do we drag them through glass for months or years to obtain that most precious gift?
I see this as a room for great improvement and growth within our church by making a change. Undoubtedly many will resist, but how in good conscience can we withhold this blessed sacrament to those worthy? I'm certainly not advocating an open communion standard, but I am saying that we should rethink not only our rights of initiation, but also our ongoing catechetical process.
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