Holding Hands

 

Remember the Beatles' song "I want to hold your hand"?  Hand posture is another debated topic among Catholics.  I understand that most priest don't like it, or want it, but don't say anything, probably they don't want to offend the people who like to hold hands.

I think the hand posturing comes from the charismatics.  They like to raise their arms and hands in the air, "Alleluia," and put their hands on people, praying for healing.  Charismatics are very friendly--overly friendly, whether you want their hands praying over you, blessing you, or holding hands, or not.  Others have continued the hand holding during the praying of the Lord's Prayer.  But you don't have to do it.  I always think that if there's any place one should hold their neighbor's hand is during the Eucharistic Prayer, but most people are in solemn praying within themselves to notice their neighbor wanting to hold their hand.

Then COVID 19 came along and no one wanted to hold hands.  I think everyone is still germ conscious and not so ready to hold hands.

This position is called orans.

Again, priests prefer people not to adopt this posture, but they don't correct the people, not wanting to offend.  Actually, the directions don't say the people are forbidden to use orans.  The directions don't say anything about the people's position, only the priest's.  Quite a few people copy the priest's orans during the Lord's Prayer.  Maybe they feel, it's as close to holding hands as they can come in this germ phobic time.

Just pray.  Don't worry about posture, pray and pray.