Question
I was late for one morning Mass and on my way to work. I did not have time to wait for the next Mass. My pastor said that I could not receive communion. I thought that I could receive communion any time I wanted. What does Canon Law say?
Answer
In the Code of Canon Law, 918 it says:
It is highly recommended that the faithful receive holy communion during the celebration of the Eucharist itself, but it should be administered outside Mass to those who request it for a just cause, the liturgical rites being observed.
Holy Communion is not like fast food, or take out food. If you do not have time for the simple rite for Holy Communion Outside of Mass (which includes a scripture verse, the Lord's Prayer and a meditation after communion, then you do not have time to receive communion on that day.
Also to keep in mind, when the law says "for a just cause," a just cause is when the people are unable to get to a celebration of the Eucharist that day. This may be due to the lack of a Mass, scheduled in the parish, together with the inability of at least some of the parishioners to go to a nearby church for the Eucharist. Other just causes would be illness and old age.