Eucharist is recognition. It is the full realization that the one who takes, blesses, breaks, and gives is the One who, from the beginning of time, has desired to enter into communion with us. Communion is what God wants and what we want.
Henri J. M. Nouwen, With Burning Hearts, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY. p. 88-89.
From Bob Roberts…
Finally we had the communion service patterned after a group of Hindu priest who became Christians. Now that they are believers they came up with their own method of it. They break the coconut representing how Christ was broken on the cross – as the milk pours out they speak of him being our sacrifice that was poured out, and then the inside part is white – showing what he did on the cross makes us clean. So Jossy Chacko led us, and instead of grape juice and wafers, it was coconut milk and shredded coconut. It was powerful. It was communion with the global church.
Len Sweet tweeted:
@lensweet Some churches now offer hosts that are round, triangular, square, wholemeal, white, gluten free, low fibre, etc. Eucharist in the Youniverse
Should this observation really be surprising? Think about it – if we’re going to offer a variety of “styles” of worship within a single congregation (styles = different music), then why not a variety of hosts as well? Or even a variety of methods of distribution (intinction, common cup, little plastic cups, etc.). Its a natural progression for church in the consumer-driven culture. “You can have it YOUR way in the YOU-niverse.” Like Burger King.
Let’s not forget the important fact that the Eucharist is a symbolic action. In the end, it really doesn’t matter what type of bread is being used. The bread is a symbol that is alive with meaning. It is the symbolic nature of the bread that makes it significant, not the physical nature. When we hold the bread and taste it we are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ’s body, broken for us. We also are invited to deepen our understanding and experience of fellowship with Christ through the meal. In other words, the point is not how the bread tastes or feels. The point is what we engage in through the symbols: the Bread of Life.
Regardless of the shape or taste of the host, Jesus will always be with us when we gather at the table for the meal in remembrance of Him.
