I had to have a lift to Mass on Wednesday evening (Ash Wednesday) as I was unable to drive safely. Harri had bitten my left hand (my fault) and I had a bandage like a boxing glove on it!
When we came to the communion part of the service, he said that we need not shake hands as the "sign of peace" if we were worried about it. Hmm... I was, as usual , between two ladies of non-UK origin who expect the "kiss of peace" as well (on the cheek of course) and we performed this as usual. Fine....our decision and no problem.
Then he called me to act as eucharistic minister, something I would normally do on my rota turn; however, somebody was missing so muggins got involved! Everybody communing takes the wafer, but some do not take the wine ever (communal cup) so this was in theory no problem either. The only difficulty was handling the chalice with a bandaged left hand. I managed quite well, but fewer than usual had taken the wine, for obvious reasons.
That was when I hit the problem! The minister consumes whatever remains in the chalice - and I still had over half a chalice of wine left! It's not like sipping a glass with a meal. You take it down as quickly as you can! I finished it off, my eyes watering and the priest smiling at my breathless gulps.
I am so glad I had a lift and was not driving that night! Thanks Harri! Yesterday I was taken to "minor injuries" and my hand is now bandaged flexibly so I may drive again. The added benefit is that I am now on antibiotics as well as my heart medication....thanks again, Harri!