Crunchy Communion Bread

our church changed the type of communion bread they use over the last few months.    i am not sure of the reason but i think it had to do with  individuals who were allergic to gluten.    the ushers in the back of the sanctuary would have a gluten-free option where individuals could get up and go to participate in communion.    i am glad for the change because who wants to be singled out in order to participate in a corporal observance of the Lord's supper.


interesting thing about this new communion bread is that it is crunchy.    the pastor reads the scripture, breaks the bread, prays, and directs us to eat together with the words, "...Having given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.” (MSG)

with no music background and no one speaking, the sound of hundreds of people crunching bread distinctly echoes through the congregation. almost humorous.... but not quite.    the words of the scripture resonate with me and suddenly the crunchiness conveys a symbolic and powerful message.    the body that was broken, was broken by me as a direct result of my sin.    the burden of my personal sin and guilt is expressed by the 'crushing' of the bread as i truly participate with my fellow worshipers and recognize my culpability in the death of the Saviour. a very somber moment.

but it also conveys that message of grace and hope as He said, "This is my body, broken for you..."  His sacrifice was purposeful, intentional and redemptive. and THAT is something to remember, something to celebrate. "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ...we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Rom 5:8,11).

i hope we never change from our crunchy bread because it brings it all home in a very simple way.

Do this to remember me....