Last Sunday some of us gathered around
tables laid with bread and wine for a 'virtual' communion service. It
is an unusual way of doing things, but these are unusual times! Our
video service can be found here. A transcript is available here.
Throughout the centuries an important
part of the communion service has been that it is an act that binds
us together. Under normal circumstances, we would only celebrate at
times when we could be with others. The only exception has been when
we administer home communion, but even that is done with a
representative of the church (usually the minister) physically
present.
The insistence on having a member of
the clergy (or an authorized representative of the church) present, is
to remind us of the sacredness of the occasion. St Paul cautions us
to not treat the sacrament lightly or without due preparation. “For
he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment
to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians
11:29 NKJV)
The judgment comes in the fact that we
will totally miss the whole point of the sacrament. That it is a
time when our Lord Jesus Christ promises to be especially present to
our lives. We do ourselves and our families a great disservice if we
treat this sacred time in a way that is casual or without being
properly prepared.
For that reason, I took the time to
offer a pre-video about 'preparing for the sacrament' to our
congregation. (Can be viewed here) In it, I suggest using a white
cloth to mark out an area to celebrate, to set aside a cup and plate
for the particular moment, and to light a candle to remind ourselves
that this is a holy time.
It is difficult to not to be together
at the table. It is not the same being together around computer
screens or I-pads. Yet that is the best we can do for the time being.
Even when we do come back together we will have to limit the amount
of touching and handling. Some congregations are experimenting with
'seal-able' elements, others suggesting to congregants that they need
to bring their own bread and juice from home.
As we transition to a situation where
we can gather 'with limitations' I am sure we will continue to
discover constructive ways of being a community. I just pray that the
sacredness and significance of the body and blood of Christ,
represented through bread and wine, does not become devalued or
treated without reverence. As Paul warns us, to not rightly discern
the Lord's body is something to be avoided, for it has the potential
of doing more harm than good.
For some music and further reflection Third-Day sing “Communion"
The Reverend Adrian J. Pratt B.D.
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