7 rules for receiving communion in the hand

It is bad if it makes us prideful/judgmental and distracts from more important things. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Receiving the host in one's hand has been an option in the United States since the bishops authorized this in May 1977 and the Holy See confirmed it. Todd, yes, the Church as a whole is growing thanks to the great efforts of missionaries in Africa and Asia (many are now coming back here), and yes, more people are receiving the Sacraments now than ever. That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. The same Instruction contained a reminder that the laws of the Church and the writings of the Fathers give ample witness of a supreme reverence and utmost caution toward the Eucharist and that this must continue. New Zealand, 24 April 1974 The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. As further documentation,Pray Tell provides this excerpt from the 2002General Instruction of the Roman Missal in Latin and English on the reception of Communion. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. . With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. I beg to differ. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern rites. I honestly get sick of it too. In North Africa (including Egypt) the practice is mentioned by Tertullian,[1] Cyprian,[2] Augustine,[3] Cyril of Alexandria,[4] and John Climacus. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. 1. If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). 3. 2. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. Instead, this option must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christs Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. So they reintroduced the practice of Communion in the hand (it had been originally introduced as a widespread practice by the Arian heretics of the Fourth Century to deny that Jesus is God). Paul W. Harkins ACW 31 (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1963). This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 2. The Pope grants that throughout the territory of your conference, each bishop may, according to his prudent judgment and conscience, authorize in his diocese the introduction of the new rite for giving communion. Confess it and move on. I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. In fact, each time we move forward together to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord, we join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints down through the ages, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world. But there is more to the story. In an even more elevated tone, Ephrem the Syrian, in a stunning passage, invites the Christian communicant to feel awe at what is placed in his or her hand, since even the Seraph did not take the divine coal with his hand, nor did the prophet Isaiah eat it (see: Isa 6:6). Maybe this is due to decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. It is still the practice of millions of committed Latin-rite Catholics all over the world and of many Eastern Churches who administer the Eucharist under both species on the tongue. are on the side of Lucifer. 6. On the part of both the minister and the recipient, whenever the host is placed in the hand of a communicant there must be careful concern and caution, especially about particles that might fall from the hosts. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). If we follow the example of the Fathers, we will prioritize practices that prevent the dropping of the Eucharist and catechizing communicants not to receive in a state of mortal sin. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. It describes one of the purposes of the opening song of the Mass as to "foster the unity of those who have been gathered" (no. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? Over the years I have read a multitude of opinions for and against, and occasionally perceived false arguments. The restorers of the rite probably had the beautiful simplicity and symbolism of the medieval rite in mind but did not take the changed circumstances sufficiently into account. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. So whats missing? Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature Thanks for this, Dennis. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. All of us should receive with great reverence and respect. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. To be honest, I dont really belong to either camp on this, and like you, I think the polarization on this issue is doing more harm than good. Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. (Original Latin text here, see pp. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? The General Instruction asks each country's Conference of Bishops to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. As for decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments, it seems more likely that catechesis has never been better, more Scripture-based, and more soundly theological. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. There is a twofold purpose here: that none will find in the new rite anything disturbing to personal devotion toward the Eucharist; that this sacrament, the source and cause of unity by its very nature, will not become an occasion of discord between members of the faithful. Henry Percival and ed. Or is there more context that is missing? In this way, the practice of Communion in the hand is different from other liturgical elements restored after centuries of disuse, such as the prayer of the faithful and the exchange of peace. 4. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling"and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful have the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. A priest who is not directly responsible for the care of souls should be even more respectful of local practice. It also happens, on occasion, that the free choice of those who prefer to continue the practice of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is not taken into account in those places where the distribution of Communion in the hand has been authorized. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. Has done From this brief historical survey, however, we know that this need not be the case, and we can look to the Fathers for a pious example as we seek to foster reverence towards the Eucharist in the liturgy today. These considerations can perhaps help balance our perspective (whether in favor or against the practice of communion in the hand), and alert us to the fact that reverence is a complex phenomenon that, of course, does involve postures of the body, but most importantly, the attitude of the heart. Q. If one is receiving in the hand the following is normative: upon approaching the minister of the Host extend the hands in the middle of the chest. His blood now flows through our veins. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. Its just BREAD!!. Our bishops have argued that Communion in the hand is the proper way for the faithful to respond to our Lord's invitation: "All of you, take and eat this." What the bishops overlook is the fact . So when received unworthily, it is not only useless, but it is harmful to oneself (a lifestyle of sin continues), our neighbors (increase of violence, arson, looting, murders), and society in general (take a look at the condition of our country), and is extremely offensive to God (hence the wide-spread suffering). 95% of parishes shrinking, seminaries empty, young people disengaged: it will happen in Africa and Asia too when the culture of the secular West overwhelms the Third World. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? Communion should not be received on the run, as you're walking back to your place; it should be consumed before you leave the area below the altar. First, Cyril: Coming up to receive, therefore, do not approach with your wrists extended or your fingers splayed, but making your left hand a throne for the right (for it is about to receive a King) and cupping your palm, so receive the Body of Christ; and answer: "Amen." [20] Here is what Theodore says: They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. It may well be the case that the sudden change in practice after Vatican II decreased devotion towards the Eucharist and belief in the true presence, and it may well be the case that there were bad actors who in fact desired this result. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful has the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. With regard to the first precept, Origen of Alexandria cautions, You who are accustomed to take part in divine mysteries know, when you receive the body of the Lord, how you protect it with all caution and veneration lest any small part fall from it, lest anything of the consecrated gift be lost. University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life United States, 17 June 1977 Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 I think youre right that, without an explicitly limiting clause, there is no canonically binding restriction to those countries, and that the subsequent granting of dispensation ultimately belied such restriction. Indonesia, 27 March 1971 Surveys from CARA and Pew reflect this, though I admittedly doubted them until I attended mass with a fellow Catholic at church that predominantly received on the tongue and my friend jeering remarked, why dont they receive in the hand like normal people? When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. Another will say the opposite; he says, On the contrary, if the wound of sin and the attack of the disease is in fact so great that such medicines need to be postponed, one ought to be removed from the altar by the authority of the bishop in order to do penance, and one ought to be reconciled by the same authority. Then he saw that it was futile. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Many of us would treat your claims skeptically as unsupported rumor and gossip. On the other hand, this mode of communion is not anywhere associated with lay involvement or accessibility, nor is it thought to de-emphasize the role of the priest. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Djibouti, 6 March 1970 My simple point is that the individual ways our Church evolves over history have a significant impact on its life thereafter, often in ways we dont expect. . The Holy See has made it abundantly clear that both manners of reception of Communion - on the tongue and in the hand - are permitted, that Communion should be received reverently, and that the manner of reception should not become an occasion of division in the church. The option must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article., I feel this is a underrated point in recent discussions on the reception of Holy Communion, both here on PT and elsewhere. 3. Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) TOP They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. [18] Moreover, an early illuminated gospel, the Rosanno Gospels, depicts the last supper as a communion line, where the disciples receive in cupped hands while bowed. In this ordinance Christ ratifies his promises to his people, and they on their part solemnly consecrate themselves to him and to his entire service. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. That the conference had voted twice but failed to approve the practice and then only won the third vote by gathering absentee votes which is the article claims was unlawful?

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