RE: The debate in Letters to the Editor pages – whether to prostrate oneself on the ground, or to come skipping and somersaulting up the aisle to receive Communion.
According to the Gospels of Mark and Luke, Jesus was seated or reclining at table with his apostles.
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it and said “take and eat – this is my body”.
Nowhere does he say “okay, you blokes – down on your knees and pop your tongues out”.
I must admit upfront – I agree with Elizabeth Harrington on the unity aspect – but also, from a purely practical stance, the “show of reverence” could end up causing an irreverent and unholy debacle, when you trip up a little old lady behind you – she falls and breaks her leg – knocks everything over. Bang. There goes all the reverence.
It’s not all about sticking to the letter of the law.
For instance, there’s an elderly gentleman who used to come to our church on Sundays – I’m sure he wouldn’t know about the “law of the Medes and the Persians” – but his face was positively glowing with the love of God – so much so, that I would go over before Mass disturbing his prayers and talk to him, just so I could see the face of Christ smiling back at me.
He didn’t need to make a show of reverence – he was just himself, walking humbly with his God, knowing the secret of loving God and neighbour above all else.
As for people texting and tweeting Rome – why not “think big” – and text and tweet God instead.
I’ve always preferred to go straight to the “man at the top”.
I know he’s full of love and compassion, forgiving over and over … and I’m sure he doesn’t “nitpick”. I’m in trouble if he does.
MARGARET BOLGER
Manoora, Qld
