Communion on the tongue

In the People section, Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Kazakhstan argues for people to receive Communion on the tongue while kneeling (NCR, Jan. 25). He compares receiving Communion on the tongue to breastfeeding. You feed infants and small children; adults-feed themselves. I often wonder if those who advocate Communion on the tongue aren't, at least subconsciously, wanting to keep the laity in an infantile state, being taken care of and fed by the ordained "adults" in the church. It sure helps keep the ordained in top place. Today more than ever, with current problems in the church and with the priest shortage, we need communicants who are going to receive Communion standing up and in their hands as a sign of their adult commitment to their journey of faith with Jesus and each other.

(Fr.) LOUIS BENOIT

Covington, Va.

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