Good Morning and Welcome – 9-1-19 - Communion

 
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?  And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?”  This verse is from 1 Corinthians 10:16.

In some churches, the communion liturgy includes the verse I just read from 1 Corinthians.  On communion Sunday, many pastors wear a more elaborate robe.  And their voices might be more lyrical than usual when they read the verse.  The verse, attire and voice are just three of several things that can set communion apart as a very special day.

Thinking back to when I was a child, let’s say in my 8-year-old mind, communion meant a longer service and sometimes a later lunch.  And maybe sometimes it seemed like just another ritual that you didn’t understand.

But when we look back at that first communion that Jesus shared with His Disciples, we see just how powerful it was.  Jesus spoke of his death.  He spoke of when his body would be bruised and broken.  He spoke of his blood being spilled.  And then he gave thanks. 

Jesus gave thanks when he spoke of his death.  That’s our Jesus.  His cross is an invitation of grace to a hurting and helpless world. 

That’s why communion is also called Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving”.  We accept the gift of His grace.  All we do in exchange is express our gratitude.  We don’t need to clean up our act.  We don’t need to jump through hoops.  We don’t need to work for our salvation.  The Last Supper is a great reminder that all we have to do is receive that free gift of salvation with a humble and grateful heart.
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Today, as we receive communion from Pastor Dave, let’s say thanks for the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  And, let’s say it with heart.  Let’s all ponder that Last Supper and appreciate the immensity of His grace.  Also, let’s remember the command from Jesus that is the mission of our church, that challenges us to honor God by loving others, one person at a time.