Posted by Anne Ward on June 25, 1999 at 12:48:19:
In Reply to: Re: Communion in Hand posted by Phil on June 25, 1999 at 09:17:32:
Hello, Phil:
I appreciate your reply. First off, i dont' know how binding the documents are either. And I can see that it is legally permissible in current Church's teachings. You say that if it weren't the bishops would not allow it. Well, I know that there are bishops and there are bishops! And does a bishop ALWAYS follow Rome? (Pope). From some of what I have read concerning the Candian Church, bishops are informing their parishoners that they are the 'boss' in their diocese and the Pope is boss in Rome! period.
Only prohibition I have come to understand is that somewhere along the line there was abuse...consecrated hosts being dropped, left on pews, found on the floor and then in a book on the History of the Mass.. Iread that receiving on the tongue became the norm somewhere around the 8th century. So, that knocks out some of the documents that were sent to me. But during the 8th Century it was also norm for one to receive while kneeling..not a bad idea!
I understand the 'saliva' bit...but I question the allowing a EM to distribute the host..have been taught that the consecrate host is to be distributed by sacred, ordained hands..but then why not? Before long we won't need priests, will we?
I don't know if receiving in hand or on the tongue is more sacred or not.....but I can certainly see the great possibilities of abuse. But that is my view which is at odds with the majority of the Church...but I am learning. I had some preconceived views and Vatican II threw them all away. Yet, I realize the tremendous need to revitalize the Eucharist and to bring more community into it as well. Like I said I am learning...but some of it is very disturbing. From all appearances if things continue to evolve in this liberal manner, we may just have to call ourselves protestant!! :) But I do believe the Holy Spirit, the guardian of the Church, will not allow that to happen.
I believe Jesus communicates with me whether He touches me through reception in the hand or on the tongue. I don't think His ability to touch is restricted to just in hand reception.
It seems that there are several 'camps' in the Catholic Church and I guess I thought I was coming into a 'unified' one but that doesn't appear to be the case. But why should it be....there has been change throughout the history of the Church. And maybe I will come to accept some of the changes as I learn more and more. I checked out a book from Church library, THE MASS EXPLAINED, and it is making alot of sense. But it is does not go into much detail. I do remember St. Cyril's [?] absolutely beautiful statement regarding receiving in the hand and that was back in the 100's..
Phil, I am learning....so be patient. But there are 3 things that I will never waver on: the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, the FACT that the Catholic Church is the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and that the Sacrament of Penance is a blessing and a half and a healing sacrament!