In the Great Tradition of the Catholic Church Reception of Holy Communion was first and foremost in the hand ?
In the early Church, the reception of Holy Communion was indeed administered directly into the hands of the faithful, a practice that reflects the profound respect and reverence held for the Eucharist .
Historical Context
- Early Practice: From the Church's earliest days, Holy Communion was distributed under both species (bread and wine) . The faithful received the Eucharist directly into their hands, reminiscent of how the Apostles received it from Christ .
- Liturgical Evolution: Over time, the method of receiving Communion evolved. By the late eleventh century, the practice of distributing the Eucharist under the form of bread alone began to grow, eventually leading to the custom of receiving only bread . The Council of Constance in 1415 decreed that Holy Communion under the form of bread alone would be distributed to the faithful .
- Early Church Fathers: The writings of early Church Fathers, such as St. Cyril of Jerusalem, provide detailed instructions on how to receive the Eucharist in the hand with reverence and care, emphasizing the importance of treating the consecrated bread with utmost respect .
Significance
- Union with Christ: The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ . Receiving Communion, whether in the hand or on the tongue, signifies a profound union with Christ and the Church .
- Active Participation: The early practice of receiving in the hand underscored the active participation of the laity in the Eucharistic celebration . It fostered a sense of community and direct engagement with the sacred mysteries .
- Reverence and Faith: Regardless of the manner of reception, reverence and faith remain paramount. The faithful are called to approach the Eucharist with a spirit of humility, love, and a deep awareness of theReal Presence of Christ .
Modern Practice
- Current Norms: The Church permits receiving Communion either in the hand or on the tongue, according to the communicant's preference, as reiterated by various Church documents and episcopal conferences .
- Liturgical Norms: The USCCB specifies norms for the distribution and reception of Holy Communion, emphasizing reverence, proper disposition, and adherence to liturgical guidelines, regardless of the method chosen .
- Call to Holiness: Ultimately, the reception of Holy Communion is a call to holiness and a deeper integration into the life of the Church, fostering a commitment to charity, mission, and the building up of the Kingdom of God .
In summary, the Great Tradition of the Catholic Church indeed began with the reception of Holy Communion in the hand, highlighting a rich history of faith, reverence, and active participation in the Eucharistic mystery .
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Can a Pastor Directly or Indirectly force baptised and confirmed Catholics to receive Holy Communion kneeling and on the tongue ?
No, a pastor cannot directly or indirectly force baptized and confirmed Catholics to receive Holy Communion kneeling and on the tongue.
Freedom in Reception
- Choice of Communicant: The Church affirms the right of the communicant to receive Holy Communion either on the tongue or in the hand . No one should be denied Holy Communion because they choose to receive in one way or another .
- Universal Norms: These norms apply universally, ensuring that all baptized and confirmed Catholics can receive the Eucharist with the method of their choosing .
Role of the Bishop
- Guardians of Liturgical Life: Bishops are described as "the governors, the promoters and the guardians of the entire liturgical life in the Church committed to them" .
- Authority: Bishops have the authority to make judgments about what is in conformity with the Word of God within their particular Churches, in communion with the Roman Pontiff .
- Service: Bishops should exercise their authority as selfless service, fostering unity and cooperation .
Pastoral Considerations
- Effective Spiritual Leadership: The lay faithful look to their bishops for real and effective spiritual leadership .
- Building Up the Body of Christ: The Spirit endows members of the Church with different charisms, and each has a gift to share .
- Fidelity and Reverence: Communion with God and others is intensified when the Gospel is proclaimed with fidelity and the Sacraments are celebrated with faith and reverence, according to the liturgical norms in effect .
In summary, while pastors and bishops have a role in guiding the liturgical life of the Church, they cannot force individuals to receive Holy Communion in a manner that infringes upon their right to choose between receiving on the tongue or in the hand . The Church emphasizes the importance of personal choice within the established liturgical norms .
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