What struck me initially about the disapproving tweets was the fact that they seem to be based upon emotion rather than any thoughtful consideration of the meaning of communion. I remember when I was very young and first offered communion. Having grown up in the Episcopal tradition, we use wafers and real wine. What went through my head was whether I was breaking the law by tasting wine being so young. This created a certain amount of discomfort for a time. When I was much older and started attending the services of other faith traditions, I remember being vaguely uncomfortable with the fact that the Baptists used grape juice and little crackers. It also bothered me that they did communion only once a month rather than at every service. It struck me as vaguely sacrilegious.

None of these gut reactions influenced my faith negatively. I recognized that I was encountering different traditions or that there was an apparent conflict between social standards and religious practice, which triggered an emotional reaction in me. Feelings are neither right nor wrong. I can feel a certain way, but realize that my feelings do not comport with reality. They are simply an initial reaction based upon experience, instinct, and training. We all have them. They are part of the way that we deal with the challenges of every day life. I consider myself analytical and always look for the underlying meaning of any tradition. I think you have it exactly right. The important thing about communion is as a symbol of the larger reality it represents. It is a time of drawing closer to God and to each other. The mechanics and trappings of the ritual are unimportant if the deeper meaning is retained.