Sep 4, 2009

GAY EUCHARIST




The most famous icon in the world, Andrei Rublev's The Hospitality of Abraham. It has been used to illustrate the Trinity as well as the gathering after the Resurrection on the road to Emmaus. I prefer the latter story (though clearly not Rublev's original intention), because I feel the image beautifully expresses the phrase, "Where two or three of you are gathered together in my name, I am there among you." And I want to suggest that where two or three disaffectChristian people gather to break bread together, the Risen Lord is as present among them and within the elements of bread and wine as in any formal Church gathering with priest, bishop or pope. A heterodox suggestion (with hints of Congregationalism and which opens up a Pandora's box of issues about sacerdotal ministry), but I wouldn't wish anyone to be deprived of the nourishment of the Eucharist because of the sinful rejection of Holy Mother Church. If you feel yourself bound in conscience to remain outside the walls until such time as a truly holy, inclusive, fair, and just church of the future has arrived, then gather together in prayer and reverence and celebrate the supper of the Lord. He is with us in Spirit as we wait, crying out מרנא תא, marana tha, O Lord come!

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