The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or The Eucharist, is a practice that every expression of genuine Christianity upholds. Though it may look different in various traditions of the faith, the essential elements of bread and wine, representing the Body and Blood of Jesus, are present. There is no doubt, Communion is a religious part of our faith. We partake of these symbols as a way of remembering and proclaiming His sacrifice. But there is also another important facet.
The context of the Lord’s Supper is extremely significant. We participate in this together. It is not something we practice privately. In fact, we administer it to each other. Communion reminds us of the unity we are called to because of Christ’s sacrifice. When we take communion we are to examine ourselves to see that our lives reflect the life we are proclaiming. Do we love each other, radically as Jesus did? Do we unite, forgive, serve, protect, heal, as Jesus modeled through His death? It reminds us that we are bonded together by something stronger than anything that could divide us. Jesus’ selfless sacrifice.
What have been your experiences with the practice of the Lord’s Supper? How has it impacted you? Have you sensed a deeper connection to the rest of the body because of Communion? Share your thoughts with the rest of your church.
3 comments:
It was amazing to watch families line up to take communion together this week. It was also cool to hear an uncensored explanation about why we take communion and the manner in which it should be taken. I can't wait to see how many commit to the other ordinance that God has commanded us to follow - Baptism.
When I think of Communion I think of emotionally intense times with God. A lot of spiritual "highs" in my life have been closely followed with an intimate time of being served Communion with the Body.
For some reason, no matter how many churches I have visited, I never have the feeling of belonging, or the sense of being part of a fold until I have taken Communion with that church body. It is a uniting factor and a spiritual act.
Unfortunately, I also find myself slipping from this sense of "belonging" and distancing myself from the church. Conversations are reduced to simple "hellos" and "how are yous". It really is a challenge to learn to be involved as Jesus was, and love others as he loved. This is one of the reasons I am really looking forward to being a part of a small group this semester. I want to practice the lifestyle of Communion rather than just being served once a month.
Matt, I love seeing the people line up also! There is something powerful when you get up out of your seat and go receive communion from another member of the body like that.
Brittany, your experiences are a great testimony of how communion reminds us that Christ's sacrifice unites us. I also appreciate your challenge to actively pursue a steady lifestyle of communion. You are right, it is so easy to slip out of it.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Post a Comment