I ran across this beautiful description of how to approach communion from Cyril of Jerusalem, an Early Church Father (d.386). Enjoy!
So when you approach, do not stretch out your arms or part your fingers. Make your left hand a throne for your right, which is about to receive your king. Cup your hand to receive the body of Christ and respond, ‘Amen’. Carefully sanctify your eyes with a touch of the holy body and then consume it, taking care to lose none of it. For to lose any of it is like being deprived of part of one of your own limbs. Tell me, if you were given some gold dust, would you not guard it most carefully, and take care not to lose or be deprived of any of it? Now this is more precious than gold and precious stones. Are you not then going to take even more care not to drop a crumb of it?
Then, after partaking of Christ’s body, you approach the cup of his blood. Do not stretch out your hands. Bow your head, say ‘Amen’ with adoration and reverence, and sanctify yourself by partaking of Christ’s blood also. And while the moisture is still on your lips, touch them with your hands and sanctify your eyes, your forehead and all your senses. Then wait for the prayer and give thanks to God for counting you worthy of such mysteries.
Cyril of Jerusalem, On the Mysteries 4 & 5, from Documents in Early Christian Thought, edited by Maurice Wiles and Mark Santer, Cambridge University Press, 1975, p. 193.
Not only is this a great way to approach communion, but it is beautifully written. I enjoyed our discussion about it in class.
I think this a beautiful description of communion.
This is an interesting way to view communion. Reverence for communion is very important; Cyril was able to eloquently describe the way communion should be viewed. This is view should also apply to the way we treat our faith. We have been saved by Jesus Christ, who has been around since the beginning of time and will be here for eternity. We must treat our faith in the Savior the way Cyril described reverence for communion.
This is absolutely amazing, communion is such a special thing that I think it should be taken but no other way than this. Definitely going to keep this in mind next time I partake in communion!!
Great way to think about it. This is written in such a precious way!
Very nice entry! I enjoyed reading this well written blog on communion.
This post shows why communion is very important in the beilef of God and how formal and serious it needs to be dealt with. I enjoyed it very much.
I like the picture that is painted by these words. I never thought of the feelings mentioned and thought of it as that precious. I guess it has to do with the different dry seasons and times of hardened hearts we have. That seems like a way I can feel a connection with me and Jesus that isn’t just spiritual.
It is sad to think how communion is done in the church today. This gives such a beautiful way to approach the throne of God.
This shows the beauty of how communion should be and how we sometimes can just make it routine. Liked this entry alot!
How often do we not even think about communion when we partake? It is such a beautiful way to meet with God.
Very descriptive way to take communion. Interesting.
never really knew much about communion. but very good post.
I never thought about communion that way when I take it but I think things will be a little differnt now. Really liked this post!
Hum…I will definitely think about communion in a little different way the next time I take it!