Avoiding Evil

As a minister, I occasionally have to lead communion. This practice is one that is very solemn and contemplative as people consider the status of their hearts and the Lord’s sacrifice for them. A few Sundays ago I was asked to lead all areas of service including preaching and communion. The thing to be noted is that I don’t like to preach. It is quite arduous for me and I feel very nervous when I do it. One of the symptoms of my nervousness is dry mouth. Nonetheless, I finished my sermon and invitation and started into communion. As I picked up the bread, I facilitated the somber mood by discussing the seriousness of the bread before we took of it. This church uses loaves of bread so that you can see the physical breaking of the loaf as Christ body was broken for us. After my speech, I put the piece of bread into my mouth. I began to chew and chew and chew. I could not salivate to save my life. The dry mouth from my sermon refused any of the typical juices that would allow me to consume the bread. After a long, awkward pause of my chewing and the congregation watching in agony, I lifted the cup and with a much shorter and less somber speech I only said DRINK. The congregation chuckled as I struggled for a drink. The people in the first few rows had the privilege of seeing the bread quietly tucked inside my cheek. It was embarrassing. Everyone noticed. I am very surprised no body offered me a second drink of the wine.