I am neat as a pin in some aspects, nnnnnnot so much in others. I am kind of “OCD” when it comes to folding my clothes and putting them away. I even do the ironing for Debbie and me. I’m not tooting my own trombone here,…when I go out in public, like to church, I often get little, shall we say, “wardrobe adjustments” from my wife or others. When it comes to Table (of our Lord) service, I may not always make a perfect trapezoid of the chalice veil after distribution. I am aware of all the eyes on me, toes tapping, fingers drumming, especially if we’re past the one-hour mark of worship service length(!). Can I mention that in table hospitality custom, if you left your napkin unfolded after the meal, it meant that you thoroughly enjoyed the meal and hoped to come back soon (“y-hear”)?

 This is Easter season. When Jesus’ disciples entered the tomb, they found the cloth that had covered Jesus’ face neatly folded in a corner. They immediately interpreted this as “it is finished”. Never again would he die and be buried.

 Whether we are a neatnik or a slob, there is room at the Lord’s Table for all. HE invites us – not me, Pastor Art, Pope Francis, or Bishop Eaton. Whether we use fancy napkins or a paper towel, Christ is truly present. The invitation our Savior extends comes with the only pre-requisite that you be a repenting sinner, believing that you receive him: broken body and shed blood. More than visible signs that are tasted, they are the very living, active means of grace.  

We come before him, to him, with reverence and humility. Kneeling or standing, smiling, or crying, we are one body. Can we receive this grace and forgiveness too often? I think not. Will Jesus still commune with us if a Communion element is slightly out of place or a-kilter?

I believe so.

But I will work a little more at getting that perfect, trapezoidal covering of the chalice. After all, the live-stream camera is focused on the altar! Our eyes and hearts are focused, gratefully, on the unconditional love which is ours in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Art