Kneeling to recieve Communion

[Tis_Bearself]

Its not the kneeling that angers people, it the the “holier than thou” attitude that often comes with kneeling that angers people.

^^^This.

If the Pope and our bishop permits us to receive standing, then the people standing are just as holy as those who choose to kneel.

For kneeling in general, there are many people who have a physical difficulty doing it and/or find concentrating on their physical position to be a big distraction from trying to speak to God in prayer or worship.

It’s fine to kneel for Communion, just don’t act like you’re better than those who don’t.

I also note that “Novus Ordo” is considered a derogatory term by many. A better way to refer to it is “Ordinary Form” or OF.

 

[MiserereMei25]

Gotcha. I just think people shouldn’t judge anyone’s standing or kneeling pasture during communion. I think we are agreement.

(ps. I’m a male )

 

[CilladeRoma]

PS:. I’m not! Cilla is short for Pricilla.

 

[Ardent_Fire]

You did nothing wrong. If you would prefer to kneel, then kneel. Anyone assuming that someone is doing it to be “holier than thou” are the ones judging, IMO.

It’s odd that we get really huffy and defensive in debates about what people should wear in church and we’re always told not to judge, but it’s the kneeling people that get raked across the coals.

I prefer a communion rail, but if I’m at a church where people are standing, I’ll stand. That said, if someone insists on kneeling at all times, that’s their right, and people should just get over it.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Anyone assuming that someone is doing it to be “holier than thou” are the ones judging, IMO.

The OP stated in his own posts that he thinks it’s “sad” that Jesus is received in the hand and that we should all be walking into church on our knees. To his credit he did follow that by saying he tried not to focus on what others are doing, but this attitude that a Vatican-approved practice is somehow wrong requires a lot of patience to deal with.

 

[MiserereMei25]

Sorry! That’s why you said “sister.” I thought you were referring to me. Forgive me.

 

[Ardent_Fire]

I never waste my time debating communion in the hand, personally. Not my preference, but it’s allowed so there’s nothing else I can say about it as far as people receiving that way. But it’s not right to make assumptions about the way people receive either way.

 

[CilladeRoma]

People of some religious traditions have always received communion standing.

I know that in the Eastern traditions, there is/was no kneeling, so as one poster put it, are they “lukewarm Catholics” also?

This is why this debate is so ridiculous.
The Church has spoken and allowed Bishop’s conferences to make the norms for their countries.
In the US, the norm is standing. No one should be denied for kneeling, but one should also not make disparaging comments about the orthodoxy of those who practice obedience.

 

[MarthaSo]

That’s very interesting, so many people kneel where I’m from and just as many stand, it’s about a 50/50.

As God is my witness I’ve never thought they were being holier than thou, could it be an interpretation someone has based on their own insecurities?

(Please, I do not say that to offend anyone I’m just not understanding how we can know someone is projecting holier than thou vs their custom of praise)

 

[CilladeRoma]

It has now been deleted, but there was a poster up thread who said that anyone who didn’t feel kneeling was necessary was a “lukewarm Catholic”.

Sadly, this is typical of the more “traditionally minded” people I meet in real life and on this board.
Many people think that their way is the only way and that if you don’t agree, your level of orthodoxy is called into question. That is the problem.

To be honest, I don’t really care how anyone receives Holy Communion, that is between them & God.

 

[MarthaSo]

Oh i see, i misunderstood sorry. I thought we were just assuming, I should have read further, thank you.

 

[Reuben_J]

I atteneded a parish on a trip in indiana. I knelt to receive communion but the priest gave me a nasty look and gasped. (not exaggerating).

Is it illicit to kneel to receive communion at a Novus Ordo Mass? I just feel like I’m worshiping Jesus in a personal way by kneeling to receive him. I honestly am asking if I should halt doing this?

It is not illicit but you are doing something different in a parish that do not practice it. A little adaptation and giving in would probably is a way to go here.

 

[Eve1]

Same here!

 

[Brendan]

The national Bishops conferences have been given the authority to determine posture at mass.

"In the United States, the body of Bishops determined that Communion should be received standing, and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving. "

I wish the decision by our bishops had been kneeling. Unfortunately, it was not. Therefore, out of obedience to our bishops, I receive standing.

The bishops were given the authority, but within certain boundaries. One of those boundries was that kneeling is always permissible,

One thing to keep in mind about the Virtue of Obedience, it is, as Aquinas defined it “The Virtue by which one conforms their will to that of the one with Authority”

Since Rome has given the Faithful the right to kneel for Communion, the authority to make that decision rests with the person themselves. This it is NOT an act contrary to the Virtue of Obedience, but it is actually an exercise of Obedience, since the authority on the position on the individual reception of Holy Communion rests with the person themselves. Thus, any attempt to withhold Holy Communion from such a person would be an act of Disobedience. Likewise, any accusation of disobedience towards such a person would be itself an act of disobedience.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

I’m frankly surprised. Living my entire life in Indiana, I’ve seen this for years at nearly every parish around the state that I’ve been to - which doesn’t cover them all by a long shot, but just saying it shouldn’t be foreign around here!

 

[bobperk]

I prefer to receive the Eucharist lying prostrate. My fellow parishioners are used to it at this point and whoever is behind me in line knows to back up several paces to make room.

 

[dochawk]

I know that in the Eastern traditions, there is/was no kneeling, so as one poster put it, are they “lukewarm Catholics” also?

Nah, it’s the latins who are lukewarm for kneeling in respect rather than standing in respect as they ought . . . :crazy_face:

in all seriousness, though, the latin kneeling is their modern analogue to standing in the East; they switched over in the middle ages . . . but if a latin is to be snarky about kneeling being a test of piety, he should be whacked over the head with the canon of the Council of Nicea . . .

hawk

 

[MiserereMei25]

It was St. Agnes in Brown County

 

[dochawk]

I prefer to receive the Eucharist lying prostrate. My fellow parishioners are used to it at this point and whoever is behind me in line knows to back up several paces to make room.

Careful of visitors in stiletto heels who unsuspectingly advance . . .



hawk

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Even more interesting… Fr Eric is the vocations director for the archdiocese, and they’re usually pretty “by the liturgical book” on things. You’ve really got me intrigued!