Dear Manuel,
I think that frequent communion was the reason behind the radical change in fasting requirments for R.C.'s.
Since the idea is that one can just drop in for mass anytime of the day, no matter how one is dressed, it would make sense that they couldn't enforce a seven hour fast the way the Orthodox do.
On the other hand, I do think that the 'atleast' one hour thing is a bit too radical! After a meal, I usually still feel full after an hour, and very aware of feeling that way!
I think that at the VERY LEAST, it should have been atleast two to three hours, and that would still allow, (unless the person eats constantly through the day) for the ability to take Holy Communion at short notice.
Then again, seven hours for the Orthodox is not impossibly long, but when one goes to sleep at 10p.m. as I often do, the hours add up to
THIRTEEN without food and drink.
I must admit, that this is a difficulty for me, and therefore, often keeps me from the Holy Mystery, despite being prepared in most other ways.
When Pre-Sanctified Liturgies are offered at 7 p.m. (which is RARE), I am happy, as I know that I can receive Holy Communion easily within the prescribed time constraints.
So perhaps, neither East nor West is absolutely perfect in the hours they give for Communion food abstinence. Ofcourse, one could always go to Church in Greece where the Liturgy starts much earlier.... :rolleyes:
Just some rambling thoughts,
In Christ,
Alice
P.S. Dear Brad:
Does that include talking and listening to one's wife ?
Nope...sorry!!!
