OUR COMMON FAITH - The Christ in Communion
by Pastor Ron Gatrelle

"This do in remembrance of me" are familiar words to the Christian. They are the words which Jesus spoke as He ate the Passover supper with His disciples the night before His crucifixion.

The words are familiar, but they have been interpreted and applied in vastly different ways within Christendom. It is indeed sad that the "communion service" has become one of the issues over which the Church is the most divided.

In thinking of this, I wondered if there is any common ground upon which all could agree. Is there a common "element" by which we could see each others' common faith?

I think there is a common element and that the best way to see it is by comparing two extreme views of communion.

Quakers do not partake of the bread or wine (elements) in the communion service. The elements are viewed as totally symbolic, of no real value, and all emphasis is placed on the reality of Christ's "spiritual" presence.

In Roman Catholicism much import is given to the bread and wine. They are viewed as the "actual" physical body and blood of Christ and all emphasis is on the physical presence of Christ.

These two views are theologically irreconcilable and mutually exclusive. Yet to the individual Christian engaging in either form, they MEAN THE SAME THING. To all true Christians the communion service centers around Christ. Christ is the common element.

Let's say the Catholic is mistaken about the bread and wine being the actual body and blood of Christ. Does that theological error make his spiritual love and fellowship with Christ any less?

Let's say the Quaker is mistaken in his total spiritualization of communion. Does that theological error make his actual union with Christ any less?

If the presence or the lack of the presence of the bread and wine becomes the most important "element" to the individual, then it is an idol. When it comes to taking communion, all true Christians "do it" in remembrance of Him, even if they "do it" differently. Christ is the central element, the essential element in communion and in our common faith.