You are absolutely right. Strange times indeed.

My understanding of Frankie Argentina (as we call Pope Francis in my house--we say that respectfully and with love, but still, piety has never been one of my skills) is that he is making the Church more open to divorced people and others. I have not tracked that closely but I hope it is true.

I do believe that Communion is God and as such, perhaps we need it the most in such states when we are struggling. When would I need a friend and strength more than when I have fallen away or have problems?

I was also the good kid who is now completely done following nonsense rules. My sister is like this too--a colleague once called her the "most rule-following anarchist" he had ever known, and, although that description was not applied to me, it's one I try to emulate.

Good on you for trying not to get the flu and I honestly don't think God cares what hand you accept communion with. I wish you luck on this journey too. I am so glad to feel I am not the only person traveling this road. Solidarity--