But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion....
Catechist of children spend a good deal of time teaching their scholars how to behave in the household of God. They should genuflect and make the sign of the cross; they should respond to the greetings and prayers of the presider; they should sing with gusto and listen with interest. They should know what is happening.
Catechists of adults, unfortunately, don't get the same opportunity with the majority of the congregation. Although most Catholics know the sign of the cross, their genuflections can be halfhearted; and their oral responses, silent.
Many people have not learned to receive the Eucharist. Many take it on the fly, never quite stopping, as if in a great hurry.
Upon arriving at the head of the communion line, first you bow before the mystery.
If you receive the Sacrament on your hand as you say Amen, to the minister's announcement, "The Body of Christ," you should offer one upturned hand on top the other (not a soup bowl), as if the Lord is being placed on the cross of your hands.
Then take one or two steps aside, STOP, still facing the altar, and with other hand place the Sacrament on your tongue. (You stop because you have all the time in the world to stay in the most sacred moment of the Mass, of the day and of the week.) And then proceed back to your pew. (Not out the door. If you don't have time, attend an earlier Mass.)
If we know know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth, we will have a far better idea how to behave outside the church building, since we always live within the Church.
Those who fear the Lord fear no one else.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.