A teacher friend of mine, Ben Olafsen, told me that today he has to supervise “Silent Lunch.” This is a special table reserved for kids who got in trouble at school. Their punishment is that they have to eat their lunch in silence: no talking while eating. Why would that be punishment? Because the most natural (and enjoyable) thing in the world to do while you are eating is to talk and laugh and interact with those at the table.
It made me think of our Lord’s Supper traditions. What began as a table has become an altar. What began as a time of communion and fellowship with the body has become a time for individual reflection and worship. Rather than a healthy mix of horizontal and vertical elements, the Lord’s Supper has taken on an exclusively vertical focus. (For more on this idea, see John Mark Hicks’ book, Come to the Table.)
Eating a meal in silence is punishment. What an intriguing thought!
May your next meal be filled with joyous conversation!
Grace and peace,
Jim
Several weeks ago I had someone actually try to make a case for a silent, individualistic communion based on Jesus’ command “Do this in memory of me.”
Silent communion – self flagellation?
Rex
By: K. Rex Butts on May 20, 2008
at 8:43 pm
I have never heard anyone use that verse in that way. I guess it’s another case of reading our own meaning into the text. In today’s world we have the practice of a minute of silence out of respect for someone who has passed away, but I’m not sure it was common in ancient times. On the other hand, another way to remember someone is with loud, enthusiastic action, as in, “Let’s win one for the Gipper!”
By: Jim Holway on May 21, 2008
at 6:16 pm