Q: I believe that kneeling to receive Communion is the right way to receive. I would do it, but the communion rails are gone, and I am afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get up again without some difficulty. What can I do to reconcile my thoughts with reality? I use a cane. — Liz
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
I’m sorry to hear that it’s not easy for you to kneel as you would like to do.
Given your circumstances, it’s better not to kneel in this case.
This isn’t a show of disrespect to the Eucharist; rather, by remaining standing, there is less chance of a disruption at Mass if you can’t get back up easily.
And you don’t want to be in that position when you have just received the Eucharist.
So, to ensure that you consume the host quickly and that the Communion line isn’t disrupted, it might be better to remain standing.
Jesus will understand. Your interior disposition, of course, can remain eminently respectful of the Eucharist.