Speaking In Toungues?

[flip]

Hi.

So Paul, in 1st Corinthians, defines some liturgical norms about Speaking in Tongues. So, one is to assume that this was a part of the liturgy with the Catholic Church in the 1st century. Where did it go? Was it taken out of the Liturgy, if so, why?

Thanks

[Laudate_Dominum]

I believe you are referring to Paul's mention of speaking in tongues in church, correct? This is not necessarily a reference to praying in tongues during the Eucharistic Liturgy, in fact I am not aware of evidence that really suggests it (but I could be wrong, haven't looked in it in depth).

Praying in tongues is a special gift that not everyone has, and it also has a sort of spontaneous character, for this reason I do not think it could really be added into rubrics. And as I said, I do not believe Paul is talking about the Mass (Eucharistic Liturgy) when he is addressing those things. He is talking about when those Christians were gathered in an "assembly", the word that is often translated there as "church" does not imply formal liturgy, or a church building, it could refer to any gathering of Christians for worship. It is conceivable that this assembly met prior to the Eucharistic Liturgy, or at times not connected with this at all. Modern charismatic Catholics are known for having "prayer meetings" in which they pray and sing together without any liturgical context.

This also makes sense because St. Paul speaks of tongues as a sign for unbelievers and mentions unbelievers coming into the assembly. In the early Church the Eucharist was celebrated privately and only believers were allowed to participate. It does not seem likely that unbelievers would be waltzing in upon the celebration of the Eucharist. But this would be likely for a more informal gathering of people for prayer and the singing of spiritual hymns.

That is my opinion, I have never seen any Church teachings or statements which discuss this precise issue.

God bless you.