How often should one take Holy Communion? Should it be offered at every church service as it is during Holy Mass in the Roman Catholic tradition?I am uncertain and have been for many years. As I grow older, I look back at the hundreds of times I have received the Body and Blood of Our Lord. There were times when I was more prepared than at others. I believe that I should have refused it by remaining in the pew when I was unprepared spiritually.
That will appear as a distinctly Protestant viewpoint, yet it is a valid one. More Protestant denominations — namely Anglicans, Lutherans and some Evangelical non-denominational churches – are offering Holy Communion more than what used to be the customary one-Sunday-a-month. Why do they wish to do this? Two Sundays a month are understandable, but every Sunday is a bit much for the average communicant...
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GJ - I believe we should distinguish between how often it is offered and how often it is taken.
The norm for offering Holy Communion in the Book of Concord is - every Sunday and special services. Since not every person can commune on a given Sunday, offering the Sacrament each Sunday seems to be the best practice.
For WELS Lutherans, that would mean eliminating entertainment and the WELS ad/video.
