How Long, O Lord?

Ever since I started my theological study at Trinity Theological College in 2006, I began to greatly appreciate the richness and diversity of Christian traditions. I had always felt excited whenever I had the chance to be involved in what was usually called ‘ecumenical movement'. So, last night was a delightful evening. I participated in the Prayer for Christian Unity 2011 in Singapore. It was held at the Church of Divine Mercy. This prayer is actually an annual international event, endorsed by the World Council of Churches and the Vatican. So, it is quite disheartening that not many local churches even know about this annual prayer. And I notice that, in Singapore context, it is the same group of priests and pastors who are involved in this prayer. I recall what a Methodist pastor here in Singapore told me two years ago. He said that his presence in the prayer was controversial (due to Roman-Catholic-phobia prevalent among Protestants). A friend of mine who is currently serving in a Presbyterian church in Indonesia also tells me that they are not holding this prayer. Enough with disappointments…

We had four speakers last night: Dr. Roy Joseph (Mar Thoma Syrian Church) presenting "The Apostles' Teaching", Rev. Dr. Edward Pousson (Victory Family Centre – Asia Theological Centre for Evangelisation & Mission) presenting "Fellowship", Rev. Dr. Lorna Khoo (Aldersgate Methodist Church) presenting "Breaking of Bread", and Rev. Dr. Joseph Goh (Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd) presenting "Prayer". What I appreciated the most was the presentation by Rev. Dr. Lorna Khoo. All the four speakers were passionate about what they were sharing. But what made Rev. Dr. Khoo different was her honest sharing about her own struggle with regard to Christian unity. She was assigned to speak on the Eucharist. Before she started her sharing, she remarked that she was given the most difficult topic so she requested for time extension (they are supposed to speak only for 8-10 minutes).

She explained that there are three different practices among churches in relation to the Eucharist: closed table, open table, and free table. Closed table means only those baptized within that particular Christian tradition are eligible to partake in the Eucharist. This is practiced by the Roman Catholics. Open table means only those baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – no matter in which Christian traditions they are baptized – are allowed to eat the bread and drink the wine. This is the practice of most Protestant churches. Free table means anyone, including those outside of Christianity, can partake in the Eucharist. She argued that perhaps it is the image of the Eucharist as a family meal which makes Christians unable to agree on this matter. The result of the image of family meal, according to her, is the exclusion of those who are not part of the family. This is how Roman Catholics have excluded Protestants from their Eucharist. Considering that the prayer was held in a Roman Catholic church building, I truly saluted her for daring to say boldly that the Roman Catholics have been inhospitable to Protestants in this matter. She suggested that the way forward is perhaps to see the Eucharist as the meal of the presence of Christ. All Christians will not disagree that in the Eucharist Christ is present, whether it is real presence, spiritual presence or whatever presence. One thing is sure: Christ is present. Seeing from this perspective, she suggested that perhaps there should be a room for free table practice because Christ, who is present in the Eucharist, welcomes everyone.

I am aware that the issues are much more complicated than what she tried to explain. But, even though she may sound simplistic (mind you, the attendees were mainly lay people and not professional theologians), her boldness and courageous attempt to do her part in reconciling different Christian traditions in relation to this debatable issue is undoubtedly commendable. For it is the Lord of the Church Himself who desires that Christ’s disciples may become one, just as God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one.

When reaching home, my friend Joshua, who also attended the prayer, asked me, “So, when will the churches really become one visible body of Christ?” I spontaneously answered, “When Christ comes again.” This is indeed D-Day which I am looking forward to. And I am not alone. All Christians (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, Charismatic), I believe, are looking forward to that very day when Christ will come again. In the mean time, we should continuously cry out, “How long, O Lord?”