Shadow Meal: Reflections on Eucharist

Many Protestant Evangelicals struggle to find meaning in the Lords Supper. There may be theological positions to be held and certain religious protocols to be observed but for many the Eucharist remains merely a symbol of remembrance and as such an elusive connection to the table of Jesus. As new conversations take place about the emerging and missional church the value of the ancient practices of the church are seeking new expression. However since many in these conversations come from non-sacramental backgrounds the Eucharist can easily become a utilitarian addendum to alternative church experiments. In reflecting on the invitation from Jesus quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 to do this the question is asked What is this? Shadow Meal challenges the idea that this is something containable or negotiable and suggests instead that this has much more to do with the invitation and presence of Jesus than it does with ecclesiastical practices or prescribed rituals. Shadow Meal seeks to offer Protestants some new images of the Eucharist and to foster a deeper appreciation of and connection to the presence of Jesus in the invitation to dine at his table. It offers new language to pastors and leaders who hope to find ways to frame the missional life of Christian faith for people whose lives cry out to be formed by the present reality of Gods kingdom. Like the Eucharist Mike McNichols Shadow Meal is a treat. In the style of Anne Lamott Mike invites us on his journey to look at the table from many different angles. By the time you get through reading his musings the table will look a lot bigger some of the dinner guests will not look familiar and the menu items will be tastier. This book is one to be savored! --Dennis Okholm author of Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants. Mike McNichols takes a very mysterious part of our faith and turns it over and over like a gemstone so that it catches (and reflects) more Light. While Jesus invites us to the table McNichols sets it and shows us that theres plenty of room. --Dean Nelson author of God Hides in Plain Sight: How to See the Sacred in a Chaotic World. In delightfully written prose penetrating insight and a keen wit Dr. Michael McNichols examines his growing fascination and attraction to the Eucharistic mystery that is so deeply revered by Catholic Christians and so often overlooked by Evangelical Christians. Michael offers a fresh look at the power and presence of Jesus encountered in this simple meal that we call Eucharist. This book will bring valuable understanding to both Catholics and Evangelicals alike. --Peter Elder Hickman Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion Pastor of Saint Matthew Church Orange California Michael McNichols served for ten years as a pastor and is now Director of Fuller Theological Seminarys Regional Campus in Irvine California. He is the author of The Bartender: A Fable about a Journey and a contributor to Proclaiming the Scandal of the Cross: Contemporary Images of the Atonement.