[Land of the Irish]

When the German Protestant Martin Bucer suggested that English Protestants introduce the practice of Communion in the hand, he did so because, as he said at the time, this novel practice would undermine two Catholic teachings at once: the priesthood and the Real Presence. Allowing the faithful to receive the Eucharist in their the hands would tend to establish the belief that the Host was nothing more than ordinary bread (so indeed why shouldn't the faithful be able to touch it?) and that there was nothing special or unique about the priest that should entitle him alone to handle the sacred species. Bucer knew full well what he was doing.

We can also indict the "conservative" position for having utterly failed to stem the revolutionary tide of the past thirtyfive years. Its approach simply has not worked. The Left has proceeded with determination and severity in its forcible introduction of novel practices throughout the life of the postconciliar Church, including but not limited to the liturgy. The so-called conservatives, on the other the hand, made concession after concession to these vandals, claiming that since these changes were not to dogma per se, they were not worth fighting over. The Left was sure of itself; the Right hedged. The result should have surprised no one.

The Great Facade

[sinkspur]

"TAKE and eat." Reception of the Eucharist in the hand was the common form in the Early Church.

[OLD REGGIE]

When the German Protestant Martin Bucer suggested that English Protestants introduce the practice of Communion in the hand, he did so because, as he said at the time, this novel practice would undermine two Catholic teachings at once: the priesthood and the Real Presence. Allowing the faithful to receive the Eucharist in their the hands would tend to establish the belief that the Host was nothing more than ordinary bread (so indeed why shouldn't the faithful be able to touch it?) and that there was nothing special or unique about the priest that should entitle him alone to handle the sacred species. Bucer knew full well what he was doing.

Luke 22:
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Jesus knew what He was doing.