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| Ministry Title |
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Spirituality through the Liturgical Seasons |
| Article Title |
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(58) Receiving Holy Communion |
| Publish Date |
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28-Dec-2017 |
| Author |
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The Steering Committee of the HKSKH Church Policy, The Working Group for Discipleship Training |
After Celebrant ‘took bread’, ‘gave thanks’ and ‘broke it’, he ‘gave it’ to all disciples. This sharing of the real presence of Christ is the mark for all God's children. In the Early Church, congregation usually stand to receive Holy Communion to demonstrate that members of the Christian community are no longer kneeling slaves. They joyfully stand as God's children. ‘Standing’ also signifies that we belong to the community of resurrection. We are resurrected and risen up in the presence of Christ. There is also an association with the meaning of Passover: to get ready to set off and leave the place of enslavement. God's chosen people standing up ate, as they were in a hurry to depart. The faithful, the community of resurrection, too, is in a hurry to work for God: stand to witness life of the resurrected Christ.
However, from the 11th to 16th century, orientation of teaching and pastoral care of the Church inclined gradually towards awareness of sinfulness of human nature. So, more and more faithfuls kneel to receive Holy Communion to express their humbleness and repentance. Later, with a period of time, the faithful only receive bread, or even only have adoration of the bread. Nevertheless, these practices have been changed and emphasis was, again, placed on the joy of resurrection in receiving Holy Communion. Therefore the practices of kneeling or standing is no a matter in receiving Holy Communion.
No matter we stand or kneel before the alter to receive the Holy Communion, we shall come forward in faith every Sunday to receive the Holy Communion with humble heart and joy, as we share the real presence of Christ and be witnesses to the new life we have in Christ.
Meditation
- Some parishioners prefer kneeling to receive Holy Communion while some prefer standing. After understanding their meanings behind, would we realize something more on receiving Holy Communion?
- Receiving Holy Communion not only make us recipients of grace but also real presence of Christ in our lives ─ this is about our mission as disciples of Christ. As we receive the Holy Communion, may the Lord guide us better understand His mission to us.