>>Why not? That’s kind of what a forum is about. We discuss things.
If you don’t mind I’ll bookmark this so I can share it with other FReepers who get upset when I “discuss” things. ;)
<<
As long as you keep it in context, I don’t mind. Discussion is not baiting or insulting though.
>>Why is there so much focus on the process of communion instead of why we have communion?<<
Don’t you know why? I think Catholics do.
Probably because receiving in the hand is deemed by some to be less reverent. This can be due to cultural understanding....or as a result of the long history of receiving only on the tongue. A bit of a case CAN be made for that. To my mind, however, it is much more important to make sure that we understand WHO it is that we receive. A person who understand that this is really and truly the Risen Lord, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity naturally receives reverently, whether it touches the hand or the mouth first.
And, by the way, receiving in the hand took place in the early Church up until about the 10th century... if I recall correctly. St Cyril (see Early Church Fathers) even described how to receive ...teaching the people to “make a throne of your hands in which to receive the King [in Holy Communion].”
Personally, I receive both ways. My own focus is NOT on how I receive but my attitude toward HE Whom I receive....before, during and after reception.