About the holding hands during the Pater Noster, someone explained this so well, it was someone in the Vatican, can’t remember who (has an Arinze-like tone, but not sure, maybe it was even Cardinal Ratzinger?) — it’s inappropriate because the hand-holding is NOT a sign of unity (as some argue for being the reason to hold hands) but rather it is a sign of intimacy. It’s physical and personal, and not conducive to the meaning of saying the prayer together to God.
How about all the attempted hugging during the “sign of Peace?
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have always felt very uncomfortable with this and generally refuse the practice, which at times can make me feel self-consciously guilty for not going with the flow. This articulates what I have felt and will allow me to explain it to others. Great post. Thanks again.
it’s inappropriate because the hand-holding is NOT a sign of unity (as some argue for being the reason to hold hands) but rather it is a sign of intimacy. It’s physical and personal, and not conducive to the meaning of saying the prayer together to God...
...I would tell that to my wife, who immediately grabs my hand, but I don’t have that much courage...
It also comes at the wrong time of the Mass. We are united after taking communion (think community) but the holding hands comes before communion.
Regarding your comment on the holding of hands, I agree 100%.
I go to early mass on Sunday’s where I can often sit by myself in a pew, or at least at the far end from the other person there. That way I don’t have to ignore the people who want to hold hands.
I have been placed in the position where I have to hold hands, and I do not like it. It distracts from the prayer totally.