As we soon celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, let us reflect on the significance of this holy day. According to tradition, the wise men, often called kings, are linked to Psalm 72:10-11:
“May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.”
This passage underscores the reverence shown to Christ by even the most powerful rulers, who fall to their knees in adoration. So we have to ask out of profound worship for the Eucharist why is it that Cardinal Cupich forcefully feels that the faithful should refrain from kneeling to receive our Eucharistic Lord?
The New Testament, in Matthew 2:9-12, narrates the journey of the wise men who, upon finding the child Jesus, “prostrated themselves and did him homage.” They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—expressions of their deep devotion. This humble act of kneeling before Jesus has been an integral part of Catholic worship for centuries dating back to the Magi.
In Bethlehem (meaning “House of Bread) was laid the Christ Child in the trough, and all bowed down to venerate Him.
Yet, Cardinal Cupich’s recent address suggested that the faithful refrain from kneeling during Communion to maintain a smoother flow and avoid drawing attention to oneself. This prompts a deeper reflection on our Eucharistic devotion and the time-honored traditions that have nurtured our reverence.
Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his deep humility, ardently encouraged kneeling before the Eucharist:
“When it is sacrificed on the altar by a priest and carried anywhere, let all peoples praise, glorify and honor on bended knee the Lord God, living and true.” – St. Francis of Assisi Eucharistic Mystic and Reformer
Kneeling, a gesture born of awe and respect, has long shown our humility and adoration of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
After Christmas, a woman confided in me her inclination to begin kneeling to receive the Blessed Sacrament. I encouraged her, sensing the Holy Spirit’s guidance in her heart. My 15-year-old granddaughter who was with me, too, felt the holy righteousness of this act. Kneeling naturally leads to receiving the Eucharist on the tongue, a practice reinforced by the Council of Rouen in 878 and St. Thomas Aquinas, who stated that “only the consecrated fingers of a priest should touch the host” (Summa Theologiae IIIa, Q82, a3).
Some may observe who else receives Communion on the tongue or while kneeling, but our concern should be solely for what pleases God. Kneeling and receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is a profound act of humility and submission, much like the homage paid by the Three Kings.
Our external actions deeply influence our internal dispositions. In other words: What we do externally (on the outside) affects how we feel on the inside.
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