Q: A friend told me it is not permitted for me to receive Communion if I arrive late for the Mass, say, after the homily. Is this true? I’ve heard of this before but have never found it given as a Church law anywhere (and this could be a fault on my part). Nevertheless, is there a point beyond which one should not go for Communion if has arrived late, even when he has a legitimate reason for arriving late? Is it a sin? — Augustine

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

A: Someone arriving after the homily of a Sunday Mass should seek out and attend a full Mass. Someone arriving after the homily of a daily Mass should refrain from receiving Communion.

Mass should be attended from the start. All the parts of the Mass fit together, from the penitential rite through the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist and on to the final blessing.

Now, it’s one thing if, say, a mom with young children struggles to get to Mass on time but is late. Or if there is something beyond a person’s control, such as a traffic backup due to an accident.

Late arrival at Mass through laziness or carelessness is a form of disrespect to Our Lord.

And to show up after the homily and receive Communion is a bit insulting to Our Lord, since the penitential rite and readings help to prepare a soul for reception of the Eucharist.

For related reading, see one of my colleague’s posts on the topic.

Think of it this way: How would you feel if your bride didn’t show up at your wedding Mass until after the homily?

You would expect better treatment than that. And so does Our Lord.