Communion Meditation and Fencing the Table - 22 September 2013
Below is the short communion meditation I gave today at Heritage Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Edmond, OK, that concluded with a fencing of the table. Fencing the table is one way we, as Presbyterians, guard the sacredness of the supper. In this action we say who is invited to the table, and either say, or clearly imply, who ought not to come to the table. Fencing the Table is very similar to the Eastern Orthodox and others, when their priests, at the Liturgy of the Eucharist, call out, "To the Doors" and exclude the non-baptized from the supper. Here is what I said: "In Genesis 18.1-8, there are three travelers moving down the road and are met by Abraham. He invites them in, showing hospitality, and prepares a big meal for them. We find out that one of them is the LORD. V.8 says, and Abraham "stood by them under the tree while they ate." Abraham serves and then observes the meal of divine refreshment, but he does so at a distance, standing over there a...