Our Agape Meal

The Christian Church has always been marked by a few unique practices. One of the most beautiful and defining practices throughout her history is the Eucharist. In the early days of the Church the Eucharist was part of what was called the Love Feast. Other times it was called the Agape Meal.

The local Christians would gather in a home and share food and strong drink, typically wine. A part of he meal was always bread and wine regardless of whatever else was on the table. In Corinthians Paul refers to this meal when he rebukes those who leave no food for the poor and hungry. This meal existed to remember Christ and his love through the taking of the Eucharist elements, sharing a potluck feast in fellowship so that the hungry and thirsty may be nourished, and to offer thanks and praise to God. Below is a commentary on this feast by a church father named Tertullian.

The nature of our Meal and its purpose are explained by its very name. It is called Agape, as the Greeks call love in its purest sense. However much it may cost, it is always a gain to be extravagant in the name of fellowship with what is God’s, since the food brought is used for the benefit of all who are in need. To respect the lowly is all-important with God.

If then the motive for our Meal is honorable, consider the discipline ruling during the Meal in that light. That which is rooted in religious commitment does not tolerate vileness and licentiousness. The participants do not go to the table unless they have first tasted of prayer to God. As much is eaten as is necessary to satisfy the hungry; as much is drunk as is good for those who live a disciplined life. When satisfying themselves they are aware that even during the night they should worship God. They converse as those who are aware that God is listening.

After the hands are washed and the lights are lit, all are asked to stand forth and to praise God as well as each is able, be it from the holy Scriptures or from his own heart. From this it will be recognized “how he drank.” In like manner the Meal is closed with a prayer. After this we part from one another, not to gang together to brawl or to roam about in bands, or to go in secret byways of licentiousness, but always pursuing the same self-control and purity as befits those who have taken in a truth rather than a meal. This is the way Christians meet.

-Tertullian, Apology 39.

In my experiences, Christians don't often meet in this way. In my own life, I neglect praying before coming to such gatherings and I forget to speak knowing God is listening. I don't invite the hungry or lowly, respecting them and looking out for their needs (or our solidarity). I don't often enough embrace the beauty of being extravagant and abundant in what I or others contribute for the community's feasting (be it food or other offering).

The congregations of which I've been a part have near never fit Tertullian's wonderful description. What's worse is that I rarely have fit the description or done much to try and fit it with much gusto. Things can change and not everything must be identical through the ages but there are traditions and principles worth valuing and upholding. It is my hope and prayer that I change and that God helps to bring me and my siblings to a place which would make Tertullian feel at home if he were to resurrect and find himself among us.