Funeral Dinner
Originally scheduled for
April 26
It is
the custom in many Christian churches to end a funeral with a dinner. At my
father’s funeral the dinner was at home, the ladies of the church and friends
providing the meal. For my mother’s funeral, we went to her favorite
restaurant. But in both instances the meal was not centered on the actual
food, but the memories we shared of my parents. Stories were brought out by
friends and family, some of which I had never heard, as we celebrated a long
life in Christ. It was a reunion of family and friends, and a good time. One
reason we were so upbeat: as Christians, we share the sure and certain hope of
the resurrection of the dead.
Communion
is somewhat like that. Indeed, the Bible tells us that the early church
celebrated the Lord’s Supper somewhat like we might have a church dinner.
Unfortunately, this brought abuse which humiliated the poorer brothers in the
church, so the Lord’s Supper was separated from ordinary church meals
together. It still bears some resemblance to those funeral dinners, though:
It
is celebrated in churches humble and grand – simple elements served in the
style of the congregation.
It
is a time of memory – thinking about what Christ has done for us, his sacrifice
and our salvation.
It,
too, is celebrated in “sure and certain hope” – of our Lord’s return in glory.
As you
partake, then, remember these things. Do not be dazzled by the elegance of the
serving trays, nor ashamed of their humble simplicity. The caliber of the meal
is not the caliber of the person celebrated. Remember too that you do not
partake of Communion alone; we, the church, take it as a body. Most of all,
remember what Christ has done for you in his atonement, granting you salvation.
