Why Receiving Only the Host Is Receiving All of Jesus (The Patrick Madrid Show)

A caller named Andy from Long Beach raised a question many Catholics quietly wonder about: if Jesus said to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood, why do we usually only receive the Host at Mass? Are we missing something? Patrick Madrid’s answer cuts through the confusion with a clear answer founded in Catholic teaching. First, he explains that at the Last Supper, Jesus was speaking directly to the Apostles, whom He was ordaining as priests. “It’s proper, it’s necessary…that the priest at the altar consume both the Host and the Precious Blood,” Patrick explains. That command was not directed to the entire congregation. The deeper truth, however, is this: when you receive Holy Communion under either form, you receive all of Jesus, “Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.” Nothing is lacking. Patrick points out that this is evident every time we adore the consecrated Host at Mass. Even before the chalice is consecrated, the Church worships Christ fully present in the Host. If that weren’t true, Patrick notes, “it would be wrong to worship this because it’s something less than the Lord Himself.” Historically, the Church often limited Communion to the Host alone to guard against a recurring misunderstanding known as utraquism, the false idea that receiving both forms is required to receive the whole Christ. While receiving under both kinds can be beautiful, it is never necessary. Andy’s response says it all: “You’re very, very clear. I’m getting it now.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.