The Plague of Self-Service

Self-service is the worst of inventions. There we are, all with our own tray, own little bottle of wine, own little sachets of sugar, salt and pepper. It’s terrible to assume that everyone is going to eat and drink a standard quantity, and do it alone into the bargain. How much more human to have a nice big bottle from which everyone can pour as much as they want, and one nice big dish so that everyone can make sure that the others have what they need. Then meals are no longer a solitary and egotistical business but a time when each person shares and loves.
- Jean Vanier, Community and Growth, p. 323

I remember the song our children’s choir sang when I was a kid. It came from the Avery and Marsh Songbook:

I can be a Christian by myself,
Leave my dusty Bible on the shelf.
Sing a song and pray a bit.
God can do the rest of it.
I can be a Christian by myself.

Sometimes I think we fall into that ugly trap. Our faith becomes individualized to the point where we forget we need one another. Just like self-service meals, we practice self-service religion. As if that were possible! I’ve heard the “spiritual but not religious” line before. What it usually means is that the church has failed to be the community God intends for it to be. More particularly it means that some of us have forgotten how to invite, and others have forgotten how to say yes to the invitation.

We’re getting closer to Jerusalem each day, on our walk. And while each one of us takes our own steps, we’re still on the path together. When we pause for refreshment and encouragement, we call it worship. It’s really a holy meal. The table is set family style. There’s a loaf large enough to share, and arms and hearts wide enough to hold each other up. Jesus has invited us. Let’s extend the invitation and throw wide the doors.

Now, will you please pass the bread?

Along the Way, I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.