The Rev. Dr. Leander Harding offers the wish that people would not chatter in church, especially as they’re going up to receive Communion. My first thought was to say “Amen.” But then I reconsidered.
I still say “Amen” to Dr. Harding’s sentiments, in most respects. But not all.
It seems fitting for the Ministry of the Word, centered on the Scripture readings and the sermon, to be a time for quiet and contemplation. But the second part of the service, the Eucharist, may be another matter.
The Eucharist, like the Passover feast in which it originated, commemorates and celebrates God’s saving action. It ought to be among the most joyful moments we ever experience, like having Christmas Eve every Sunday.
Also like the Passover, the Eucharist is a family feast, in our case the family being the Body of Christ. At family feasts, talking amongst ourselves is what we do.
To be sure, in every Eucharist there’s a component of somberness: We commemorate Jesus’s suffering and death. It’s especially appropriate to focus on that component on Maundy Thursday evening.
But Jesus said that whenever we share a meal, we should remember him. Did he mean that, every time we sit down together, we Christians should sorrowfully mourn his passion? That would have been really out of character.
So yes, as we’re going up to receive the bread and wine, let’s do socialize!
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