From my observations of church, the celebration of the Eucharist seems to be an act of worship that often gets squeezed out in service planning, or when it is included, it's hurried, or turned into an incredibly complicated process. But why is that?

The Eucharistic process

If you're an Anglican, time wise it takes an age to run through the liturgy, and then getting the elements to everyone can be a logistical nightmare. You’ve got those who want to stand, those who want to kneel, those who just want to receive a blessing. Then you’ve got the gluten free people that you need to send to the back, the alcohol free people you need to send to the near side corner. If people want a wafer they're sent to the right, and if they want bread then they head over to the left. Don’t get me started on the whole 'health and safety' issues of dipping and sipping.

What are we in danger of turning this act of worship into? We know Jesus not only partook in it but actually lead it.

When we throw theological questions into the mix, like: How is God actually present in the Eucharist? Who is allowed to participate in the Lord’s Supper? Who should administer the Eucharist? How often should we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? This beautiful and simple act of worship is in danger of being polluted by man’s over complication. It becomes all religious, and we might question how that fits into the bible's definition of acceptable religion.

The bible says...

'While they were eating, Jesus took bread gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” ' (Matt 26:26-29)

Indeed, the apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of the Eucharist:

'For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.' (1 Cor 11:23-26)

The Eucharist looks backward

The background and context to these passages are rich and full, and it’s worth having in mind Old Testament references of the people of Israel seeing God as they ate on the mountain (Ex 24:9-11), and of the people of Israel eating their harvest tithe before the Lord, and rejoicing (Deut 14:23,26).

The Eucharist looks forward

The Eucharist is a reminder that in the future we will have fellowship with Christ in the presence of God, where Eden will be restored and there will be perfect and boundless joy. We can read more about this in Rev 19:9 where John speaks about his vision of the marriage feast of the lamb.

The Eucharist looks to the now

In his book Bible Doctrine, Essential Teachings Of The Christian Faith, Wayne Grudem outlines that the true meaning of the Eucharist can be summarized in seven points:

1. The Eucharist symbolizes Christ’s death

2. The Eucharist symbolizes that we can participate in the benefits of Christ’s death

3. The Eucharist is spiritual nourishment

4. The Eucharist signifies the unity of believers

5. The Eucharist affirms Christ’s love for me

6. The Eucharist affirms that all the blessings of salvation are reserved for me

7. The Eucharist affirms my faith in Christ

It doesn’t matter what denomination of Christianity you come from, how you may celebrate the Eucharist or how often you celebrate the Eucharist. Let's be encouraged to think again, not about the hows, but the whats and whys.

Questions

How does your church 'do' Holy Communion? 

How do you feel when you partake in the Eucharist?