Our current church observes communion by passing it out to everyone. It is done freely and generously. Almost to the point of being chased after (not in the sense of being forced, but making sure everyone is included). My husband accidentally missed seeing the person handing out portable communion cups and she almost started running to be sure that he had the opportunity to receive communion.
In churches growing up, the observance of communion was open to those who believed and were baptized, only. Other churches make communion available to those who have openly declared their allegiance to the local church body. Is it possible, that by making conditions and prerequisites for communion, that we exclude, seclude and elevate ourselves over others?
What if the story about feeding those in need and treating everyone with respect and care, also included communion? What would our theology look like if we welcomed everyone, without qualification, into the sacred? At what point do our thoughts on God hinder the works of God?
What if the Lord’s Supper is to be shared by all, freely? At the Last Supper, Jesus ate with people who did not agree with Him, who did not even believe in Him, who had murder in their hearts, who were dipping in the treasury box, who would quickly deny Him when questioned.
I’ve thought about this a little lately. There is something to be said about a church who welcomes non-members into their rituals like this. Our church doesn’t put any limits on communion–the program says that everyone is invited to partake–but neither do we go out of our way to encourage all to participate. How would that change visitors’ perceptions?
As an aside, a couple weeks after I was baptized when I was 9, I visited my grandma for the weekend, and we attended Mass. I couldn’t take communion since I was not part of the Catholic church, and I was so crushed. So my grandma got an unblessed wafer for me from the church and bought me grape juice. That moment still means a lot to me even now, 20 years later.
It is amazing how far generosity and openness goes. Your grandma sounds like a pretty insightful and gracious person. Her example continues to have a powerful presence.
I like reading these thoughts of your Cara, you should make them more frequent! Missing you here in Nashville, I’ve been thinking about you lately
I don’t have much to say about what you wrote since I honestly have never thought much about it, except for the way the Catholic church goes about it. But you have given me some good ideas to ponder over!
Hey Whitney Whitney, I sure miss you too. Your thoughtful words are appreciated. I’d be interested in any follow up thoughts or conversations about this. I’m still in the thinking and questioning process as well.
Love you friend.
Just a slight correction. All the churches you grew up in practiced “Open Communion.” That is, it was available to all present without reservation. We took seriously Paul’s words, “Let a man [person] examine himself….” No one was ever prohibited by policy although some parents would not permit their children to partake until there was at least some understanding. Those of us who were preacher types or teacher types believed communion was for Christians (those who believed and were baptized) but in most situations no one was refused participation.
Communion was always “open”, membership in a local congregation was not. Although there were exceptions, most congregations you grew up in admitted only immersed believers into membership. That’s because we understood that “church” was comprised only of Christians. That did not mean services were not open to anyone, but membership meant a commitment to Christ exhibited in a public confession of faith and baptism. The rationale for that is the understanding that one is “baptized by/in the Holy Spirit” resulting in regeneration at the precise time one is immersed in water. One baptism in which the Spirit regenerates the soul and water washes the body. Of course, none of this is operative without faith for it is faith that justifies.
Thanks Papito for the reminder and thoughts behind the what’s and how’s.