Holding Hands At The Our Father

[Good Friday]

I remember quite some time back, on the old phorum, there was a big brouhaha (involving Likos primarily, which is why I said "For Likos") over whether or not it was permissible to hold hands during the Our Father. There was an article in Zenit News this morning that speaks to the issue, though I'm honestly not sure even after reading the article whether or not he's saying it is or is not permissible. What he's certainly saying is that no one should be expected to do it, and I think he's saying it's not permissible. But he's a bit vague. (I hate vague).

Anyway, here is the article. Judge for yourselves. Personally, I think everyone should be far more concerned about the words in the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer of the ICEL translation of the Novus Ordo that say that the Father alone is God (Arianism). Be that as it may, we have, the article. Well, not the whole thing, just the part that speaks to hand-holding:

ROME, NOV. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.

Q: Many say we should not be holding hands in the congregation while reciting the Lord's Prayer because it is not a community prayer but a prayer to "Our Father." Local priests say that since the Vatican has not specifically addressed it, then we are free to do as we please: either hold hands or not. What is the true Roman Catholic way in which to recite the Lord's Prayer during Mass? -- T.P., Milford, Maine

A: It is true that there is no prescribed posture for the hands during the Our Father and that, so far at least, neither the Holy See nor the U.S. bishops' conference has officially addressed it.

The argument from silence is not very strong, however, because while there is no particular difficulty in a couple, family or a small group spontaneously holding hands during the Our Father, a problem arises when the entire assembly is expected or obliged to do so.

The process for introducing any new rite or gesture into the liturgy in a stable or even binding manner is already contemplated in liturgical law. This process entails a two-thirds majority vote in the bishops' conference and the go-ahead from the Holy See before any change may take effect.

Thus, if neither the bishops' conference nor the Holy See has seen fit to prescribe any posture for the recitation of the Our Father, it hardly behooves any lesser authority to impose a novel gesture not required by liturgical law and expect the faithful to follow their decrees.

While there are no directions as to the posture of the faithful, the rubrics clearly direct the priest and any concelebrants to pray the Our Father with hands extended -- so they at least should not hold hands.

One could argue that holding hands expresses the family union of the Church. But our singing or reciting the prayer in unison already expresses this element.

The act of holding hands usually emphasizes group or personal unity from the human or physical point of view and is thus more typical of the spontaneity of small groups. Hence it does not always transfer well into the context of larger gatherings where some people feel uncomfortable and a bit imposed upon when doing so.

The use of this practice during the Our Father could detract and distract from the prayer's God-directed sense of adoration and petition, as explained in Nos. 2777-2865 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in favor of a more horizontal and merely human meaning.

For all of these reasons, no one should have any qualms about not participating in this gesture if disinclined to do so. They will be simply following the universal customs of the Church, and should not be accused of being a cause of disharmony.

[marielapin]

Thanks for posting. I do remember the brouhaha, and I believe I participated in it a bit. :P

[M.SIGGA]

well said, but it's gonna be really tough to get people to stop doing it since it's been going on for so long and especially when priests and bishops are doing it too. My brother likes to use it as an excuse to arm wrestle during mass.

[cmotherofpirl]

I refused to rejoin Church choir because they all insist on grabbing my hand during the Our Father.

I was told I wasn't acting christian-like, to refuse to hold hands.

[God Conquers]

That's awful.

I prefer not to hold hands, but I like hold'em up in that prayer posture.

I just hold'em high so it's awkward for other people to grab'em. (I have that luxury without looking wierd because I'm 6'7'')

The only time I will hold hands is with my family or really close friends, as a sign of unity with them, but strangers.... sorry we have the sign pf peace.

[mp15]

I was told I wasn't acting christian-like.......................

For some reason I always laugh when someone says that.

As if not wanting to hold hands when someone is trying to force you to is being un-Christian :rolleyes:

[God Conquers]

Well, didn't Jesus say : "While in prayer you must hold fast to the hands of thy brothers, else you are not one of my followers." ?

He didn't? I HAVE BEEN LIVING A LIE!!!!!!!!

[megrc]

I know that I don't hold hands during the Our Father, but that's because my mom doesn't, I don't think there's a really big deal about it. I just see it as personal preference.