Holy Communion is central to who we are
as a church. It hasn't always been that way, as many parishioners
probably recall Holy Communion only being celebrated once a month, or
even only once a quarter. But since 1976 with the arrival of the
Proposed Book of Common Prayer, and certainly since 1979 when the
proposed book became THE Book of Common Prayer for this
church, Holy Communion has been central to our worship. As is stated
in the BCP, “The Holy Eucharist, the principal act of Christian
worship on the Lord's Day and other major Feasts . . . [is] the
regular service[s] appointed for public worship in this Church.”
(p. 13)
Holy Eucharist, and thereby Holy
Communion, is meant to be celebrated in community. While the
Episcopal church has no clear guidelines as to how many people must
be present, it is clear that there must be more than one, and is why
a priest doesn't celebrate Eucharist by him/herself in a side chapel.
This is all well and good and obvious, but we are now in different
times where some of the old assumptions about how we worship are, if
not being tossed out, most definitely being critiqued and creatively
adjusted.
Ever since COVID took hold and began
shutting down church gatherings, there have been a myriad of
theological and liturgical discussions in various circles about how
Eucharist should be celebrated, if it should be celebrated,
alternatives to it being celebrated, and even down to arguing whether
or not bread and wine at home could be consecrated by the priest over
the airwaves/internet feeds. It's a long, deep, and convoluted
discussion.
As you are well aware, since the
shutdown of in-person worship, I have opted to preside at Morning
Prayer services that are (to the best of our abilities) live streamed
via our Facebook page. My reasoning for this is because we cannot
gather as a community to participate in Holy Communion. We are
unable to share in the physical Body and Blood of Christ that will
spiritually nourish us. For a more detailed explanation, I suggest
you read my sermon on this very topic (Sermon
Easter 6A).
That said, it has been brought to my
attention that there are several (I don't know the exact numbers
since until recently I had only heard from three) people who would
prefer a service of Holy Eucharist, even if they can't physically
participate. Generally speaking we don't make liturgical changes
because someone thinks it's a good idea. But that doesn't mean that
I don't, or won't, listen to input from people about our worship.
So while I don't agree with the
practice of Spiritual Communion in our current situation, I do
recognize that some people find it meaningful and beneficial. In our
current context of COVID closures and physical separation, in our
current context of finding new and creative ways to keep our parish
connected to each other and with God, it would be foolish of me to
ignore those who have a strong desire to witness the celebration of
Holy Eucharist, even if they can't physically participate. After
all, I did take a vow to “nourish Christ's people from the riches
of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in
the life to come.” I can't do that if, in this context, I ignore
the spiritual needs of parishioners in an effort to maintain what I
see as my own personal theological correctness.
So, beginning this Sunday, June 7, I
will offer Holy Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month for the
time being. This will have elements that are familiar to you, but it
will also have some elements that, due to our separation, will
necessarily be different. And then, sometime next week, feel free to
send me an e-mail letting me know what you think and how you received
this Spiritual Communion.
Blessings,
Todd+
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