Often I hear some discussion...
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Often I hear some discussion on the way we are to act when we receive the Eucharist. In our community, at one time people came back from the communion rail, with heads bowed, eyes cast down, and hands folded. They quietly entered their pews and sat until the pastor said a final blessing. Any noise was a disruption.
Today, there are still many young and old who follow this tradition. In addition, there are many who speak to others, smile, swing their arms, or even shake hands and hug each other as they return to their pew.
I like this mixture. It is a reminder that "we can draw near with a true heart" in many different ways. Can you smile when you experience the "awe-full" moment of God's forgiveness? Does a bowed head or a huge smile reflect our "hearts sprinkled clean?" Does God's forgiveness drive us silently to our knees or to joyful singing and hugging?
The holding fast to our hope, the stirring one another up, and the quality of faith is not to be found in the physical response but in the heart of the responder.
Today, there are still many young and old who follow this tradition. In addition, there are many who speak to others, smile, swing their arms, or even shake hands and hug each other as they return to their pew.
I like this mixture. It is a reminder that "we can draw near with a true heart" in many different ways. Can you smile when you experience the "awe-full" moment of God's forgiveness? Does a bowed head or a huge smile reflect our "hearts sprinkled clean?" Does God's forgiveness drive us silently to our knees or to joyful singing and hugging?
The holding fast to our hope, the stirring one another up, and the quality of faith is not to be found in the physical response but in the heart of the responder.
