Baptism as a public symbolic confession for the Lord and the world to see

Title: Rediscovering Communion: Embracing the “Peacemeal” Approach

In the tapestry of Christian traditions, few rituals are as deeply entrenched and yet as multifaceted as communion. Known by various names—communion, the Eucharist, mass, or the Lord’s Supper—this sacred act often holds divergent meanings and practices across denominations. However, amidst this diversity, there’s a resonant call to view communion through the lens of peace, echoing the concept of “the peacemeal.”

The term “the peacemeal” was coined by Noel Moules, the originator of the phrase “the naked Anabaptist.” It invites us to reconsider communion not merely as a religious rite but as a communal act embodying reconciliation, justice, and peace. In 1 Corinthians 11:20–34, Paul’s instructions about communion transcend mere ritual, urging believers to remember Jesus within the context of a meal shared in community.

At the heart of the peacemeal concept lies the acknowledgment of communion’s dual nature. While it looks back to the sacrificial death of Jesus, it equally invites us to confront present divisions and injustices. Communion, then, becomes a powerful symbol of Jesus’ peacemaking work, reconciling not only humanity to God but also individuals to one another across all barriers.

Yet, contemporary communion practices often stray from this communal ideal. The tendency to individualize communion through tiny cups or detached from the context of a shared meal diminishes its relational significance. Historically, the shift towards institutionalized communion during the fourth century detached it from its communal roots, reflecting a broader trend towards clericalism and formalism.

To reclaim communion as a “peace meal,” we must look to Jesus’ example. Throughout his ministry, Jesus frequently dined with diverse groups, breaking down societal barriers and embodying acceptance and inclusion. His meals symbolized reconciliation, anticipating the eschatological feast of unity and peace.

In contemporary Anabaptist communities, communion is often celebrated within the context of shared meals, embodying welcome, reconciliation, and hospitality. Some incorporate footwashing, a tangible expression of servanthood and peace. Others experiment with different forms of communion, tailored to their community’s needs and ethos.

Resources like the Anabaptist Mennonite Network offer liturgies and reflections that emphasize communion’s relational dimensions. One such resource, “Gathering around the Table,” places communion within the context of a real meal, inviting participants to reflect on its significance amidst community.

Ultimately, communion as the peacemeal calls us to look in multiple directions: back to Jesus’ peacemaking work, up to God in reconciliation, forward to a future of unity, and around to our diverse companions with a renewed commitment to peace. It’s an invitation to reimagine communion not just as a ritual but as a transformative act of communal reconciliation and peacemaking. As we gather around the table, may we embody the spirit of welcome, reconciliation, and peace that lies at the heart of the peacemeal.


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