“If the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”
-Meister Eckhart
The other night my family attended a Screen Unseen event at the AMC Theatre in Winston-Salem. Screen Unseen allows patrons to view a never-before-seen film on the big screen. The only information they reveal about the film in advance is the rating. In our case, the only thing we knew for certain was that the film was rated PG-13.
Family conversations beforehand involved trying to guess which upcoming film we would get to see. There are whole reddit threads devoted to predicting what the film will be. We narrowed our predictions down prior to entering the cineplex and were delighted when the opening credits revealed that this film was Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., the new biopic written and directed by Todd Komarnicki.
In recent months, many within our church have become more familiar with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, particularly the book Life Together (you may have also heard we have a Capital Campaign of the same title: and, yes, there is still time to make a pledge!!!). The film does spend some time in the Finkenwalde Seminary–an alternative seminary created in response to the Nazi takeover of the German churches–and Bonhoeffer’s experience there would influence his book Life Together.
The film does a wonderful job of demonstrating the impact of the Black church in America on Bonhoeffer’s thought during his studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. It also showcases how churches can be overtaken by nationalist and racist ideologies that fall short of the gospel. What I think the film does best, however, is capturing the simple humanity that shows up around the table. Whether around the table with his family or around the table with fellow Christians, whether around a table at a jazz club or even breaking bread with fellow prisoners—the film shows how often “communion” cuts through the systems of this world and reminds us who we really are.
There’s a poignant scene near the end of the film where Bonhoeffer’s fellow prisoners ask him to be their pastor and serve them communion. He recites the familiar lines of institution where Jesus breaks bread, gives thanks, and offers the cup. Despite his looming death, Bonhoeffer gives thanks.
In the coming weeks we too will give thanks around tables. We will do this of course with our families in the traditional American way with a feast of fall’s bounty on Thanksgiving Day. We will also do this at a potluck dinner in Kelly Auditorium on November 24. As Baptists we often use the language of “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion,” but others within the Christian tradition use the Greek word “Eucharist” meaning “thanksgiving.” Regardless of what we call it, coming together, breaking bread, and giving thanks is at the heart of what it means to be a community of Jesus. Even—and especially—in times of great uncertainty and division, there is much to give thanks for.
Thankful for each of you,
Kyle