Friday’s thoughts
The sermon currently had two points. It’s the first Sunday of the month and it looks at the “tale of the two tables” in this way. I think as we look at the two tables we have a basic understanding of our faith. The Chriatian faith is built on these two foundational convictions:
1. We are not ever to treat other people as objects. Every person is a child of God and we are alwasy to remember to treat people with dignity and respect. That means we look other people eye to eye. It means we avoid putting people down, making jokes about them, or doing anything that denies their complete personhood as children of God. The imperative is upon us to take a stand and to speak up when people are being put down and to reach out to people who are objectified. Whenever societal structures diminish other people we, like Jesus, are called to turn those tables over and disrupt that injustice.
2. We are always to remember that we are called by Christ to be disciples (students), but when we come to the table (The Last Supper) we are sent out as apostles. The tables brings us in so we can be turned loose and sent out. Christianity is not about hero worship it’s about ministry. We are inspired by Christ Jesus but never shall we leave it at that. When faith leads to no action it become heresy. The table on Communion Sunday reminds us that we are apostles (those who are sent out).
Several questions come to mind:
a. Have you ever felt objectified by someone? Have you ever felt the church treated you as an object?
b. If the purpose of the Communion Table is to gather us in to send us out in ministry what is your ministry? What are you being sent out to do?
c. Jesus expressed anger when he saw what was happening in the Temple with the money changers. What makes you angry?
d. Do you think the reaction the money changers experienced from Jesus made any changes in their lives? It led to his death on the cross.
I’d like to read your ideas on this important struggle of the two tables. If you have an opportunity write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you’d like for your response to be viewed by the members of the church click on the “comments” box below.
Thanks for your ideas and your interest.
Charles
