I did not say that the faithful that did not follow the norm were disobedient, in fact this is what I said: “There are reasons for the faithful to follow the norm other than fear of disobedience”. Honestly, I think you are not reading what I write.
It is understood what the norm is for?
GIRM US 42: “The gestures and posture of the priest, the deacon, and the ministers, as well as those of the people, ought to contribute to making the entire celebration resplendent with beauty and noble simplicity, so that the true and full meaning of the different parts of the celebration is evident and that the participation of all is fostered. 52 Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice. A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude of the participants.”
- Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, nos. 30, 34; cf. also Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction Musicam sacram, On music in the Liturgy, 5 March 1967, no. 21.
Now, some do not follow this instruction because they have health problems, and others because they do not know about it, still others because they do not think it important, etc. So this
may undermine the
unity of the members of the Christian community which, rather, is a goal in the GIRM to uphold.
You said: "The fact that Holy Communion was denied to the communicants who chose to kneel indicates that there was actually disobedience on the part of the said clergy… " – Yes!
And: “Obviously, the pastor can explain, but, he cannot force.” – Yes!
Still complaints about the priests? The logical thing to do, for Rome, is to reverse the norm regarding communion in the USA and make kneeling the norm with catechis for standers (standing may be better for those with health problems). Then they would *normally *kneel for COTT or CITH.