“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.” -Jesse BrownerGrowing up Episcopal I served as an altar boy and helped the priest prepare for communion. These days I attend a church that treats communion in a way similar to the Episcopals where folks line up with hands outstretched for a taste of the wine and bread.
It is difficult for me to see such sacramental expressions as a meaningful representation of the Last Supper. The images of people standing in line seems to lack of the heart and soul of what it means to commune with God and with each other. On the flip-side, I so enjoy the meals that I so often share with friends and family. My thinking is that these meals are what Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples to do this (i.e. share a meal together) in remembrance of me.
I love "break bread together" with friends.
ReplyDeleteMe too Susan.
DeleteI've never understood communion. I would much rather enjoy a meal with others.
ReplyDeleteI agree Alice. Maybe communion is best described as enjoying a meal with others in the presence of God?
DeleteI believe there is deep symbolism in communion, but I believe part of that involves being part of a community. From what I can understand it was originally given as part of a communal meal and I wish that particular approach would be revived.
ReplyDeleteI share that wish Mike.
DeleteWe eat a meal together as a church before the Sunday evening service, and then at the end of the service we sit or stand around a table where we pass a loaf of homemade bread and individual glasses of wine or juice. It's not directly part of the meal, but we see the whole evening from meal to communion as one whole.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to celebrate communion Fred!
Delete