“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from this all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
- Matthew 26:26-28
Today, Christians around the globe, from north to south and east to west, celebrate World Communion Sunday. For followers of Jesus, it is the most important meal we consume. Other meals may be more filling or more satisfying, but they are short-lived. Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or by whatever name it is called, has eternal consequences.
I have no idea how many times I’ve celebrated Holy Communion both as the officiant and as the receiver. Thousands, I presume. While I can’t single any one out as being more special than another, each in its own way is unique. The first time I celebrated Holy Communion was at Windcrest UMC, our home church. It was the Sunday after I had been ordained a deacon (the first step in a two-step process to becoming an elder) the night before.
I celebrated Communion in the many different churches throughout Texas and several states beyond. I’ve celebrated on many Walks to Emmaus, both on the weekends and at gatherings. I’ve celebrated Communion with several friends on the granite outcropping on our place in Mason. I’ve celebrated with the dying. I’ve celebrated indoors and outdoors. I’ve celebrated at weddings. I’ve celebrated using intinction (such as we do at the early service) and with cups (as we do at the second service).
All of this is to say that the celebration of Holy Communion may be the most important aspect of one’s Christian journey. That we celebrate again and again is a sign of God’s love for us. It’s a reminder that Christ died that we might have the fullness and abundance of life. To put a “Texas spin” (i.e., “translation”) on John Wesley, we can’t have Communion enough! I agree.
But my biggest fear is taking the sacrament of Holy Communion for granted. Oh, yes, it can happen! When it becomes no more than something that we do in the service, whether weekly or once a month, it can lose its sacramental nature. And what is a sacrament? It’s a sacred moment, a moment in which we experience God’s presence in a real and palpable way. And at the heart of the celebration is the Risen Christ. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! May the act of receiving the bread and the cup draw us ever deeper into our relationship with God. See you on this incredible journey of celebration!
Grace and peace,
Mike
October 04, 2015