Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
1 Corinthians 10:17 (NIV)
Today, I'm thankful for The United Methodist Church's stance of the Open Table for Holy Communion.
As we prepare for Maundy Thursday worship services today, many of us will partake of the sacrament (or have the opportunity to do so). Tonight is a remembrance of the Last Supper, unless your church is going strictly with a foot washing service (Usually not the more popular choice with the masses!).
I've always tried to impress that Jesus was willing to share this meal with those he knew would betray, deny and desert him. This makes it difficult for me to seek to keep anyone from the Table.
Furthermore, John Wesley spoke of Communion as a "converting ordinance" where some might find the justifying grace of Jesus Christ while receiving this sacrament. This moves us to an open table stance that allows anyone to come and partake.
I remember a particular congregant who joined our church largely due to our open table. This person grew up in a different tradition and then moved away from town. They continued to attend what they thought was the same denomination and joined that church where they lived. When they went home, they were denied Communion because the church they joined was similar in name and historical roots but was deemed different enough to keep them from being able to receive.
This was hurtful enough to seek something different and a church with a doctrine that allowed anyone to come and receive seemed more Christlike.
Whenever I've served people on Christmas Eve, they have always been appreciative that their guests could join them whether they be friends or family from out of town.
Some would say that our liturgical "Invitation" is conditional in that it reads:
"Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another."
It may be that a person is in the midst of divorce. If they are not living in peace with their ex, does this keep them from communing with the rest of the congregation?
What if the person is struggling with a particular sin and is not sure about how earnest they are in their repentance?
What if the person isn't a Christian and are not really sure about Jesus?
For me, the spiritual strength that can be gained may be just what the first two examples would need. For the latter, the inclusion at the table may be just what this person needs to receive faith.
So while I do use this language, I've never had any Communion bouncers ready to question a person coming forward!
I do prefer the language of the "Invitation" found in the service for the sick or homebound in the Book of Worship which states:
"Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him and seek to grow into his likeness."
As we continue in Holy Week, what speaks to you about the Open Table? How does this approximate what heaven should look like for you? How can the church utilize this "converting ordinance" for a world that increasingly distances itself from who we are?
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| I like this photo because it is the only one I have of Rev. Rick Cato and I serving together. He passed away in April of 2020 when we didn't get a chance to celebrate his life. Rick always appreciated an open table. |
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