Photo by Kim Cook
For over a month now in parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston (and in many other dioceses), Communion from the cup of the Precious Blood has not been offered to the assembly of the faithful at Mass on account of concern regarding the flu. An exception to this is providing reception from the cup for those who are unable to receive Communion under the species of the consecrated bread.
For 31 of my 36 years as a priest I have celebrated the Eucharist in communities where communion under both kinds was regularly offered at all Masses. Indeed, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, in no. 281, reminds us that:
Holy Communion has a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds. For in this manner of reception a fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet shines forth. Moreover there is a clearer expression of that will by which the new and everlasting covenant is ratified in the blood of the Lord and of the relationship of the Eucharistic banquet to the eschatological banquet in the Father's kingdom.It certainly seems strange at this point to prepare the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer with only one cup and a relatively small amount of wine. When showing the bread and cup and saying, "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world..." there's a certain discomfort in showing both species of the Eucharist to an assembly knowing that the vast majority will be invited to receive under only one kind. At the time of the Communion procession the void is there again as the deacon and extraordinary ministers and I go to our stations but with the one lone cup of the Precious Blood. All of this, in spite of Christ's clear instruction, "Take this all of you and drink from it..."
Of course the Church teaches that Christ is fully present, in his body and blood, under each sign. Receiving one species of the Eucharist does not mean that one receives only part of Christ. Christ is fully present under each kind. It cannot be denied, however, that communion under both kinds is a more complete, a fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet.
Suffice it to say that this fasting from the cup has led me to appreciate even more how complete the sign is when we do what Christ asked of us when he was at table with his friends on the night before he died.
I look forward to the time when reception from the cup will be restored and the fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet is once more part of our Sunday worship.
-ConcordPastor
I miss the Precious Blood. I was thinking about a weekly intercession (prayer of the Faithful)to pray that the Cup is restored to us ASAP. Also,as a Eucharistic Minister, I have noticed that more folks want communion placed on their tongue. What's up with that?! Touching a person's tongue (which often cannot be avoided)is just as much of a threat, IMO. In fact,some dioceses are pointing this out regarding the spread of flu.
ReplyDeleteMy fear is that we may lose what was accomplished through our efforts of catechesis convincing folks of the great value of communion under both species.
...That the Cup of Salvation is restored to us soon! We pray to the Lord....Lord hear our prayer!
While I understand the policy, I continue to think it is the product of a hypersensitive media culture. I just think we have totally overblown the flu season this year, mainly because we can give it a name this time and demonize it (H1N1 protect yourselves!!).
ReplyDeleteIf we were really concerned about true risk, everyone would be afraid to drive a car to Mass, or to walk across the Concord center race track before or after Mass, as those actions have a way better chance of hurting you on a random Sunday.
I also wonder why it is simply not an optional choice. Why not ask those that are sick to refrain and allow others to make their own assessment of risk? Is that so risky? Somehow I make it though the day without hand sanitizer as a constant companion either, and I live to tell the tale. Somehow I think our ancestors are watching and laughing at our sensitivity.
On a related note, I truly miss the sign of peace. It is the most human contact in the parish each week. Without it, everything seems less personal, less human, and less communal. I can't wait for the handshake to return as well.