Our “Amen” at Communion—Since apostolic times, it has been the custom to conclude our prayers with the Hebrew word, “Amen.” It is also the response the Church prescribes when we receive the Holy Eucharist. “Amen” is essentially an affirmation of truth or agreement, meaning something like ‘so be it’, ‘it is so’, or ‘it is true.’ So, when we respond “Amen” after the minister shows us the Sacred Host, saying the “The Body of Christ” or presents the chalice saying, “The Blood of Christ,” we are affirming our belief that they are so—Our Lord really and truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. It is an act of faith.
Lately, we are noticing that many people are not making an audible “Amen.” Others are substituting other responses, e.g. “Thank you,” “Peace be with you,” “Yes, Lord,” or “I believe.” But the proper response is “Amen.” Why this Hebrew word and not another? We reply “Amen” to be in union with the Church’s ancient tradition and faithful to its liturgical norms. Canon Law also asserts that since the Liturgy belongs to the Church Universal, we may not “add, omit, or alter anything” in the rites on one’s own authority.
There is also a rather appealing reason we retain the use of “Amen.” “So frequent was this Hebrew word in the mouth of Our Savior”, observes the Catechism of the Trent, “that it pleased the Holy Spirit to have it perpetuated in the Church of God.” In the Gospels, St. Matthew attributes it to Our Lord twenty-eight times, and St. John twenty-six times. When “Amen” is used by Our Lord to introduce a statement, He seems especially to make a demand upon the faith of His hearers. The reception of the Eucharist is a moment that demands our faith. Let us be sure to respond in the word uttered so often by Jesus Himself—AMEN