"Make of Your Hands a Throne"

[Tantum_ergo]

Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither was the “Spirit of Vatican II” even though it seemed like it.

It is going to take some time and effort to properly catechize not just our youth but our ‘middles’ and ‘elders’ and to make sure people are at thoroughly and correctly taught what proper disposal of one’s self is when it comes to receiving the Eucharist.

Most of you know that when it comes to tradition, I’m about as traditional as they come–and I personally receive on the tongue the last 3 years though I spent several years when younger receiving in the hand. That being said, I personally believe that the use of this song is a good step to bring people to a better consideration of how to be properly disposed to receive our Lord in the hand so long as that option is given to us.

I hate math but. . .Picture a line that represents loving reception of Christ. A___________________B. A = total, thorough, orthodox proper disposal of a person. B = total unorthodox unprepared and even demonic disposal of a person.

Reception of hands: h. Reception on tongue: t.

It’s as hard, I think, for those people who are

A___t____________________

to consider that somebody could be

A__h____________________

if they think that communion in the hand by its nature is

A__________________________________hB

Likewise it is as hard for those who are

A__h_______________________

to consider somebody could be

A__t_____________________

if they think that communion on the tongue by its nature is

A_________________________________tB

And that’s what I think the problem is. Yes, receiving on the tongue is the norm --and that’s why I do–but also yes, receiving in the hand is an option that has been given to the people of the United States, and that option is not only freely chosen but also in many cases as reverently chosen as receiving on the tongue. So long as the option is there, morally speaking we have no grounds to chastize or criticize those who receive in the hand. What we can do (and we should be careful to do this with both options) is to encourage and foster devotion and careful attention and reverence to the reception of our Lord and Savior.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I don’t know this hymn, and I generally (although not always) receive on the tonggue. That said, the words “make of your hands a throne” reflect a teaching of the early Church:

**Writing in 350 A.D. Theodore of Mospsuestia, in *Homily XV ***wrote of communion in the hand, “do not approach with hands extended and fingers open wide. Rather make of your left hand a throne for your right as it is about to receive your King, and receive the Body of Christ in the fold of your hand, responding ‘Amen.’… Take care that you do not even lose one piece of that which is more precious than gold or precious stones.”

That is a keeper worth filing away. Thanks!

Opps, it’s St. Cyril…OK, that’s we have digital matter.

 

[tjw163]

Well it wasn’t actually instructions as much as it was an explanation as to how the practice was carried out at his particular Church, in this case the Jerusalem Church. . Now are you ready to hear something that most supporters and advocates of the practice won’t tell you or probably don’t even know???

READY???

They received in the hand because the bulk of the Eucharist was taken home for consumption during the week It was not consumed in its entirity at the Church or private home or temple or synagogue or wherever else they held their Mass on that particular day. Typically the one receiving, the husband or father normally, would take the Eucharist back to his family and share a small amount with them there, usually by placing a small amount in their mouths. Wow.

They actually had a valid reason for receiving in the hand. A good well thought out reason. They even had instructions on how to wrap the Eucharist in white cloth so mice wouldn’t eat it:thumbsup:

Now do you take yours home for consumption during the week? As I said, that is the reason they received in the hand. So why do you?

Palmas85,

I know this thread is very old now, but I just stumbled across it doing a web search. I was wondering if you might be able to give me one or more sources (preferably books, or a link to a well-sourced web article, perhaps?) telling me where you got the information about the context of the quote of making a throne with your hand. I had a teacher tell me the St. Cyril quote outside the context, and it always intrigued me. I am very interested in learning more.

Anyway, I thank you in advance for any and all information you are able to provide!

Blessings,
~Tim

 

[archangel04]

Palmas85,

I know this thread is very old now, but I just stumbled across it doing a web search. I was wondering if you might be able to give me one or more sources (preferably books, or a link to a well-sourced web article, perhaps?) telling me where you got the information about the context of the quote of making a throne with your hand. I had a teacher tell me the St. Cyril quote outside the context, and it always intrigued me. I am very interested in learning more.

Anyway, I thank you in advance for any and all information you are able to provide!

Blessings,
~Tim

Rules of the forum are that we are not allowed to bring back old “dead” post. If you have questions on this subject I sugeest opening up a new one, because I am sure this one will be locked soon.