Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2013 Issue | Page 3

Response-ability: We Set God’s Table
the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
I’m afraid that it’s not always seen this way, but one of the
most solemn parts of the Eucharistic liturgy occurs when the
deacon or, in the absence of a deacon, a priest sets the altar
in preparation for the celebration of the Holy Communion.
The linens are arranged and the paten (plate) and the chalice
(the cup) are put into place. Then, the bread and wine are
brought to the table and made ready for the prayer of
consecration. Yes, solemn all of this is, for the purpose is to
enable the holiest part of our worship, receiving the body
and blood of Jesus Christ.

But it seems to me that, most often, setting the table is
viewed as a merely “practical” matter; it’s all simply about
how to take care of the business at hand. At least some of that
attitude can come from seeing the table being set in an all-toocasual way. Nonetheless, an equal part of the responsibility for
a right heart and mind about this solemn moment belongs to
the worshipper. Here, you must be reflective. And what better
place to be deeply reflective than when in such a moment in
church? Don’t miss out just because the offering plates are
being passed around and the anthem is being sung! In the first
place, never forget that the monetary offering you are making
is literally part of “setting the table.” The Prayer Book’s rubric
on page 361 explicitly directs that t