Beauty and Grace At The Supper: Dr. Duane Arnold

Be Concerned About Beauty,

Be Concerned about Grace…

 Recently I had the opportunity, along with my wife, to attend a lovely dinner party given by some close friends. 

We were met at the door by the husband who, after taking our coats, led us into the living room. Other guests arrived and, together, we entered into a lively and entertaining conversation. While all this was taking place, I could glimpse the hostess and her husband slip through a door into the dining room, lighting candles on the table, adjusting the table linen, and taking the “one last look” before the guests came through for the meal. As we approached the door each person in turn began to comment upon the sight that met them.  The furniture in the room glowed from the careful polishing that had been undertaken. The table was laid with china, crystal and silver which reflected the light of the flickering candles.  A small arrangement of fresh cut flowers provided a centerpiece. Attention had been given to every detail. All was beautiful and gracious.

 After returning home, I could not help but reflect upon the similarities between this lovely meal and the preparations many churches make as they gather to worship or, most especially, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

 Certainly we could have been invited to an informal meal with our friends. Moreover, the meal could have been eaten and enjoyed without such extensive preparations and, indeed, there are times when such an informal meal is appropriate.  It is clear, however, that the preparations brought a beauty to the evening which would have otherwise been absent.  Furthermore, the care taken in preparation helped to signify the importance of the occasion and the regard in which the guests were held.

 Likewise, there are times when an informal worship service is to be desired.  There are times when an informal Eucharist is appropriate within a church. In the main, however, I think we need to reclaim “the beauty of holiness” and by our preparations honor not only our family and “guests”, but also give honor to the God we come to worship.  One may sometimes tire of the tedium of such work – the cleaning of the worship space, the preparation of the service, the crafting of the sermon and all the rest – just as one might tire  of the extensive preparations for a dinner party.  Yet, there is something that is communicated to those whom we seek to serve in our labors. It is that they are loved and honored by us, as we also express our love and honor to God.

 Be concerned about beauty…

 Be concerned about grace…

Duane W.H. Arnold, PhD

The Project