However, I have been disheartened recently at the post-Eucharist actions taken by many...and I do mean many people within the community. Let us first review what takes place after our communion services.
As always...we conclude with a benediction. This is great! However, the problem comes when people begin to dismiss. If you simply sit back and observe, you will find that people begin to approach the table and grab large pieces of the communion bread and...in no uncertain terms...snack. They joke around as they do this and have conversations about a large number of things...which rarely include Christ.
I know what you are saying. Consuming the elements is one of the ways in which we are supposed to "properly" dispose of the elements. Let us take a moment to review what the United Methodist Church says in this regard.
"The consecrated elements of bread and wine are used for distribution to the sick and others who wish to commune but are unable to attend congregational worship. If any bread and wine remain, they should always be disposed of by (1) the pastor and/or others at the pastor's direction consuming them in a reverent manner following the service; (2) returning them to the earth by pouring (2 Samuel 23:16), burying, scattering, or burning." {http://www.gbod.org/worship/thisholymystery/elements.html}
Take a very close look at #1. Notice the term "reverent". The question that must be posed now is whether or not "snacking" at the table is a reverent action. I would give a resounding NO! Maybe some of my problem is that the consuming takes place in such a way at the table itself. It takes place in front of people who are still worshipping. It is as if the elements are consecrated during the service and the benediction somehow unconsecrates the elements.
Why don't we treat the elements the same way after the service as we do during the service? As a friend noted...maybe it is because, for the most part, we are low-church within this community. This would entail a fairly low view of the sacraments. If this is the case...maybe it explains things. But...does it make it right? Maybe it is just easier not to allow our theology to influence how we worship. If we did...we would have to be intentional about things.
Do not, therefore, regard the Bread and the Wine as simply that; for they are, according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but -- be fully assured by the faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (22 [Mystagogic 4], 6)
Reverence, therefore, reverence this table, of which we are all communicants! Christ, slain for us, the sacrificial victim who is placed thereon!
St. Chrysostom (Homilies on Romans 8:8)
1 comment:
See, I told you you would convert to being a patristics guy. You're using quotes from the Fathers like a pro. Never mind the fact that I helped you pick them out, it's still a bonus.
Oh and I agree with you! I'm actually all about consuming the consecrated elements but we always have so much extra that I feel glutonous if I eat it all.
We should make the WDT all eat sections of it. And yes I do think we are low church.
- Ben
Post a Comment