Some churches practice "close" communion, so called because only those who are close, or within that particular family of faith can participate. For instance, in Ceres, Oklahoma there are two small country churches. I served one while in seminary at Enid and learned that the other, a Southern Baptist church, allowed only members of the local body to participate. Even former members who had moved away, joined another Baptist church and returned to visit could not partake. It was an extremely "close" service.
Our church, and most others, have an open table. I got to thinking about the image of an open table and its implications. Several key words came to mind that summarize the meaning of "open."
"Inclusive" was the first. The invitation in the scriptures, "whosoever will may come" applies to the table as well as to the Christian faith. It is the Lord's Table and we know from the Gospels that Jesus did not shrink from eating with anyone. Saint, sinner, down and out, up and out, all classes, all colors -- all are welcome.
The second word is "opportunity," as in an open door. But opportunity must be seized. It is an opportunity to meet the Lord and receive his grace. But you have to answer, to go through the door, to show up at the table. It requires some action and commitment on our part.
"Enough" is the third word. An open table implies that there is enough to go around. Its like the church potlucks we have. We always invite everyone to stay and eat, even if they brought no food. And there's always enough for all. What we receive at the Lord's Supper is also enough to sustain us spiritually. Here we find the bread of life and there is enough for all.
Another word that comes to mind when the word open is used is "transparent," or "revealing." You can see through an open door. Or we speak of certain people as being open and mean that they are not secretive, they do not hide their feelings or thoughts. To be sure, there is something mysterious about the Lord's Supper because it operates by faith, but at the same time it is open and revealing. Through it we see the sacrifice, the love, and the open arms of our Savior.
One more word implied by "open" is "unhindered." There is no fence around the table. There are no barriers. No one will stop you from participating. Those who have no faith in Christ will probably not participate, but the table is open to them also as an invitation to faith. To everyone, this table says, will you believe, will you commit yourself, will you confess your faith in Christ. "Whosoever will may come.
Let us say our confession of faith and then let us commune with the One who said, "this is my body," and "this is my blood."
