Holding hands during the Our Father

[Myles Domini]

In the Ambrosian Liturgy and in the Zairiean version of the Roman rite (authorised by the Holy See) the sign of peace is exchanged prior to the liturgy of the Eucharist. The practice harks back to antiquity as is evidenced from many patristic documents e.g. The first apology of St Justin Martyr:

[quote]But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brethren are assembled, in order that we may offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized [illuminated] person, and for all others in every place, that we may be counted worthy, now that we have learned the truth, by our works also to be found good citizens and keepers of the commandments, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation. [b]Having ended the prayers, we salute one another with a kiss.[/b] There is then brought to the president of the brethren bread and a cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable length for our being counted worthy to receive these things at His hands. And when he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all the people present express their assent by saying Amen. This word Amen answers in the Hebrew language to genoito [so be it]. And when the president has given thanks, and all the people have expressed their assent, those who are called by us deacons give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving was pronounced, and to those who are absent they carry away a portion.

--St Justin Martyr First Apology LXV[/quote]

INXC
Myles

Edited December 28, 2005 by Myles

[jasJis]

Strain at the gnat, swallow the camel.

There are negative ways to look at holding hands, and positive aspects. We are worshipping as a COMMUNITY!. The Eucharist brings us all together as a Family with the SAME FATHER. I used to look at holding hands as a sign of community assent, a way to share and receive strength of faith with those around me. We are a community and those with stronger faith are praying for me as I prayed for those with weaker faith then me.

Now I find myself constantly thinking about what's wrong with holding hands. My parish has been doing it 100% for many years, and a number of pastors. It's not going to change anytime soon and it's impossible for me to attend Mass and get anything out of it because all I see are the 'errors'. Now all I think about is we are all misguided or mistaken or wrong, etc. Now I see people asking if it's a mortal sin to hold hands during the "Our" Father. So sad.