I had an interesting experience a week or two ago. Visiting a church away from home, I was given a questionnaire which invited me to assess the sermon. When the time came, the Vicar wandered off saying “The floor’s yours, Geoff” or words to that effect and the organist came down, perched on the edge of a pew, and preached. I assume it was some sort of training, programme;: I thought he did very well. It set me thinking - how would I manage in that situation? I think I would talk about how I prepare for Holy Communion.
In my mind’s eye I picture the Last Supper; no nonsense about 13 on one side of the table, smiling for the camera - they would be seated six a side with Our Lord at the head. I always picture myself behind Him - it would be disconcerting to have Him looking me in the eyes. I see Him take a loaf, break it in two, give half to the chap on His left and half to the one on his right, and ask them to take a chunk and pass it on. This is My Body. No-one worships it - that would be idolatry as it is bread - but they all do it “in remembrance of Me”. Then they have the meal - shepherds and fishermen, so it might have been lamb stew or fish & chips. I like to think of them chatting as we do at home at family gatherings, with much happiness unless they all realised what lay ahead? Afterwards, Jesus takes the goblet, fills it with wine and it is passed round the table. A problem: did he pass it to the chap on His left so that it went round clockwise, or to the one on His right so it went anti-clockwise? I’m anti anything anti, so in my mind it goes round clockwise.
Now I’m ready to take Communion. The priest, on behalf of Jesus, hands me the Host, saying, “The body of Christ” and I say “Amen” to signify that I really believe that we are replicating what Jesus did at the Last Supper. Like wise the wine - then for a split second I am made whole - until normal thoughts start again.
