Holy Communion

I am somewhat alarmed about the modernization of the sacrament of holy communion. As we read Scripture we know that Jesus took a loaf of unleavened bread and broke it and also passed it around to all the of the disciples. He then took the cup, drank from it and passed it around to all of the disciples. Thus they all drank from the same cup and ate from the same loaf. The bread, of course representing his body that was to be broken on the cross of calvary, and the wine representing his blood that was shed there for our sins. Therefore today all Christian churches observe the sacrament of holy communion.

Although the symbols of wine and unleavened bread still mean the same today, the methodology of communion has changed in a lot of churches. When I was growing up and attended the Brainerd Gospel Tabernacle (Assemblies of God) communion made up a significant part of the church service the first Sunday of each month. A tray with the bread, usually broken unleavened crackers was passed up an down the pews, which was followed with a tray of little communion glasses (made of glass) which were filled with the juice of the grape. A significant amount of time was spent with this ceremony and communion was received with great gravity.

Then came along the individual pre-made wafer, which did not look at all like broken bread. It was a little tough to chew and certainly needed something to wash it down. This was followed by using disposable communion cups made of plastic, rather than genuine glass. It just seemed to cheapen the ceremony a little more. Then came the communion cup that came from the factory already filled with grape juice with a sealed peel-off top. I felt like that made the communion service a little awkward and, well.... cheesy. I had a hard time peeling that little film off the top.

But now, we have advanced to the place where they hand you your communion as you come in through the door. It has a little plastic cup filled partway with juice, with a peel-off top. And on top of that is a tough little wafer that is also covered with an additional peel-off top. And by the way, would you please throw it in the trash as you go out the door.

Although the symbolism is the same, something very important is lost in the ceremony. I believe it is that scared, quiet moment before God as each man examines his own heart. I found myself examining ways I could actually peel back the the peel-back tops rather than savoring the moment before God.

While I am glad I am not drinking from the same cup as the guy with the flu or Hep C, I am also not glad that I am peeling little labels with my numb little fingers, becoming frustrated instead of settling into a peace at the moment I have with God Himself.

What do you think?