Why "Approaching The Table?"

There are at least two answers to this question. The first addresses why I chose this particular name for the blog. The congregation I attend is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or DOC for short. Traditional DOC liturgy includes not only communion every Sunday, but also a very intentional invitation to communion. My congregation is Open and Affirming, so the invitation extends to many people who are unwelcome at – or have been explicitly expelled from – other churches. The theology of a truly open table, a table like the one Christ offered, has become a very powerful influence on my life. In this modern era we can easily lose sight of the symbolic and cultural importance that breaking bread with someone held for Jesus and his contemporaries. Such an act could transform enemies into allies by creating a binding relationship of mutual trust and responsibility, regardless of differences. Like other aspiring Christians, I struggle to understand and live in such relationship with Christ and my community. How am I (or should I be) transformed by sincerely accepting Christ’s invitation? If the communion table is the culmination of such a relationship, I spend my life preparing to approach the comfort and challenge of that table.

This brings me to the second answer, about why I would create this blog in the first place. In 2009, our worship team created a dynamic yet introspective program for the Lenten season. I was invited to author a daily devotional as part of that program. The theme of the program, as well as the name of the devotional, was Celebrate. In preparing the devotional, I found myself writing about subjects that challenged me, subjects that were easy to speak of but difficult to live out. Celebrate connected with the congregation, and I found their feedback very encouraging. My own spiritual journey has never been so rich or creative as during the time I spent immersed in the responsibility of generating something I hoped and prayed would be meaningful for others. A little over a year has passed since the completion of Celebrate, and the idea of continuing its outreach calls to me quietly but persistently.

In the days ahead, I hope we can explore themes of community and inclusion, of the responsibilities and rewards of life lived in the love of Christ.

Peace!

Joseph