Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Communion in the Hand

When I was a child, everyone received Communion on the tongue. (Many churches still allowed you to kneel, when receiving.)

A number of years later, this would change. In fact, I remember very vividly the arguement put forth was "This is a more adult way of receiving Christ."

Now, at the time, I kept attempting to find arguements to refute this, but could not. The wave of this change was unstoppable.

Over the years, I think that I have recieved Holy Communion only once or twice in the hand. To this day, I continue to receive it on the tongue.

Over the years, I have watched people receive Communion to see if they are doing it correctly (yes, I know, I should have been focusing on the mystery of it).

When going up, some bow, a couple have knelt, some make the sign of the cross, and some are who knows where.

Of course, there seem to be mutiple ways to receive it: left hand flat out with the right hand under it, right hand with the left under it, both hands out side to side.

Finally, you may put it in your mouth with your fingers or just pop it in, like an M&M.

Aufer a Nobis has some thoughts on this.

Personally, I think he is on the mark and I would love to see a return to Communion on the tongue.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How is sticking your tongue out a sign of repect, much less of revence?

Anonymous said...

Wow Anonymous, I can only imagine the Catholic formation you received. Accepting communion by tongue shows deep, humble respect for the Body of Christ. A tenderness and devotion to the Savior who loves you more than you can comprehend. Allow youself to be awed by His love, and not so awed by your own glib comments.It is not"sticking out your tongue", but the gentle, protective, welcoming acceptance of the Almighty Lord.