For example, it seems difficult for me to believe that the laity participate more in the Mass because they do the readings or administer the Eucharist. Even admitting the possibility that such practices could be good sometimes for fostering Christian life, it is evident that there is the danger of walking only half of the way. In the first place, it could be plausible that we are only creating a new kind of sacristan; secondly, perhaps we are allowing the need that the laity have of savoring the mystery of their authentic participation in the life and destiny of Christ to fall into oblivion. Authorizing a good family man to distribute Communion is undoubtedly an interesting experience; but everybody will agree that it is much more important that he become a Christian family man (for it is evident that he is not going to become a better Christian due only to the fact that he is distributing the Eucharist). His true promotion as a Christian layman will become a reality when he fulfils his proper and specific obligations: carrying out as a Christian his professional duties, along with his not less delicate and important obligations as husband and father of his children. It would be regrettable that, perhaps because he is too imbibed in the duties originated by the faculties he receives in his promotion to clerical occupations, or because he is excessively conscious of the importance of his new status, this aforementioned family man would forget or would not understand properly the meaning of his authentic participation in the life and death of Christ: a mission that he must accomplish as a layman, in form as well as in content.

Translated from the book "Esperando a Don Quijote" (pags. 27 - 28)