How about someone who cares for a sick or elderly person 24 hours a day and does not have the opportunity to go to Mass. If someone brings Communion to the house for the sick person right after lunch, this rule permits the caregiver to receive also, and get the many graces he or she will need to continue to serve the sick person.I’m not sure I quite grasp why it is that “those who care for them” get a special dispensation
Sounds like you’ve never been a main or sole caregiver for a seriously ill person then!I’m not sure I quite grasp why it is that “those who care for them” get a special dispensation.
Not a bit of it. It’s a simple recognition that it’s the very least we can do to show our respect for our Lord when we receive him in the Eucharist. And that in matters of faith we should never be content just to do near enough.It’s our Calvinistic sensibilities which make us so obcessed with the particulars of timekeeping.
Ok, I guess that would work if it’s what the Church is thinking. I had in mind someone who is going to Mass, anyway. Still, if you KNOW that someone is coming to give communion that afternoon, then couldn’t you fast for the hour or so, maybe? Hey, I’m not knocking the exception, but it’s particular inclusion just doesn’t seem to be easily graspable if this person is generally healthy and able to fast.How about someone who cares for a sick or elderly person 24 hours a day and does not have the opportunity to go to Mass. If someone brings Communion to the house for the sick person right after lunch, this rule permits the caregiver to receive also, and get the many graces he or she will need to continue to serve the sick person.
Betsy
Actually, that was my primary occupation for numerous years. Which is precisely why I don’t grasp the exception.Sounds like you’ve never been a main or sole caregiver for a seriously ill person then!
I think I’m of the mind of the person who noted it is a “moral hour”, more than something to scruple over seconds about. It’s the effort and intent which counts.Not a bit of it. It’s a simple recognition that it’s the very least we can do to show our respect for our Lord when we receive him in the Eucharist. And that in matters of faith we should never be content just to do near enough.
I’m also of the opinion that a “midnight” matter is something which one can be a bit loose with. For instance, if you’re a late night worker and need to eat when you get home, not arriving back until 12:15 and eating before 1. Similarly, I get a kick out of the people who talk about the old days of every Friday being meatless. But some of the same would sit outside of Bishop’s Chili in their cars at 11:45 until the clock struck Midnight Saturday morning so they could have their late night snack. Really, who better honors the law, one who’s legalistically counting the moments or one who has the right general intent and making a best genuine effort?And recognising the fact that right up until the 1950s people happily fasted from MIDNIGHT the night before receiving the Eucharist - something I believe our Orthodox brothers sSTILL happily do (don’t know about Eastern Catholics, possibly they do too)