It is the only day of the year when all Christians celebrate Holy Communion. It is called by different names and practiced in different ways, but the essential nature of the Sacrament is consistent; we take the bread and blood of Jesus together. Some use wine, others use juice; some use white bread, others use pressed bread. We dip, sip, dunk, or chew; we stand or kneel at the rail or receive all at once in the pew. The practices vary but the intent is the same; we are unified around the table of Jesus, who told us to do this in remembrance of Him. We are one in the Spirit – sort of. But not really. That should bother all of us. Does it bother you?
I have had this argument/discussion with people of different Christian flavors too many times, and the answers can be enlightening or maddening, depending on their particular denomination. I was raised with an open table; the idea was (and is) that the Sacrament belongs to Jesus, so humans don’t have the right to refuse anyone. Like most of us who are immersed in one tradition, I was not aware of the disunity around the table that existed through history and all around the world today. So many rules and doctrines that decide who is or is not worthy; I was raised knowing that none of us deserves grace, but all of us can receive it. The first time I read the back of a bulletin that told me that only members of that church in “good standing” (whatever that means) were welcome at the table, I was shocked – and a little angry. I don’t know who decides what “good standing” means, but I know it isn’t me. Or you. Only God.
You and I are welcome because Jesus welcomes us. Your age, mental capacity, gender, or level of understanding of the sacred does not bar any of us from receiving grace. If you are a child (or like a child), Jesus says you are the model we should follow to enter heaven. If you are not baptized but curious, you are welcome. If your memory isn’t quite what it used to be, you are still you, and you are welcome. Your denomination, whether by birth or by choice, has no bearing on whether Jesus thinks you are okay. You are okay. Next.
There are churches I won’t attend because I know that I am not welcome to receive Jesus. They could let me, but they won’t, and there is no excuse for that. And please – keep your theological treatises and highfalutin doctrine to yourself; when I go to church, I go expecting to meet Jesus, not self-serving, arrogant clerics who thinks they are the boss of me. I go with the expectation that I will be welcomed, warts and all. We are all welcome to the table because Jesus says we are. Any church or clergyperson who says otherwise doesn’t understand Jesus at all. Jesus calls us; come to the table of God.
Prayer – We thank You, God, for the gifts of grace You offer to us this day. May our lives be changed by Your church’s welcome. Amen.
Today’s art is “Communion” by Rayla Noel, 2015.