Our options:
1. Eat the bread, drink the cup
2. Dip the bread in the cup
3. Eat the bread only
The most problematic of these is option #2. By handling the bread more germs are introduced into the common cup than could ever have come from making contacts with your lips. In my humble opinion this method seems kind of selfish. The point of communion is a coming together with God and the whole of the saints both past and present; the last thing on our minds should be self expression, rights, or our own comfort. Communion is a time where we stand in solidarity with Christ's church throughout the ages. Another sign of this is when we kneel to pray we put our hands together showing our solidarity and communion with the martyrs that died with their hands bound.
In some church's it has been encouraged to take the bread only during the current health scare. This is a common practice for those with certain allergies or recovering alcoholics. The presence of Christ is viewed to be complete in either of the elements.
Those concerned should always speak to their priest about these matters, they are the ones ordained to administer the sacrament. I would like to encourage everyone to continue to receive the Eucharist as a sacred mystery that God gives to us for our healing and spiritual benefit.
Jeff Wilson
during the plague the Catholic churches started "adoration services." the idea is this: if the elements are the real presence of Christ, then merely being in their presence is edifying and considered a form of communion.
ReplyDeletei always found this to be a practical germ avoider haha.
personally im all for option one that you listed above. I've never been scared of getting other diseases from the cup, so why the sw1e flu?