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Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is one of two sacraments in the Protestant faith. Presbyterians, Evangelicals, Methodists, Baptists, etc., all have differing ideas about what Jesus was doing when he instructed his disciples to “Do this, in remembrance of me,” (Luke 22:19.) Protestants also have vastly different ideas about the Lord’s Supper than those of the Roman Catholic faith. So it’s no wonder then, that there is so much confusion surrounding the meal we celebrate in worship each Sunday.
It is important for us to remember that Jesus’ own disciples did not fully comprehend the meaning behind the meal, even as Jesus shared it with them there in the Upper Room. This was their final meal together, the culmination of three year’s-worth of meals and one of deep symbolic significance. There, at that final supper together as Jesus taught them for the final time, he emphasized many things that he wanted them to know and remember.
The Gospel of John records more of Jesus’ words than any other Gospel, a majority of which are spoken that night in the Upper Room during that final meal. When washing the disciples feet, Jesus explains that even though the disciples do not understand what he was doing for them in that moment, in time they would. The same goes for Communion.
Jesus also washed the feet and shared the meal with all of his disciples; Judas, Peter, and Thomas, alike—the betrayer, the denier, and the doubter. This tells us something significant about what Jesus wanted to convey. Clearly, full participation in the sacrament does not require full comprehension of its meaning.
In fact, the depth of our understanding is supposed to grow, to change, and to expand over time, which means that the very moment the Spirit calls our spirit to participate is the perfect moment to begin!
According to St. Augustine, Communion is “an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace,” therefore, Communion is not actually something WE do at all, but is rather God’s grace being poured out upon us in tangible ways—expressed through the smell, taste, and feel of bread and juice, meant to strengthen our bodies to live. Coming forward for communion is our active participation in the hope that only Christ can provide, a symbol of our desire to live as he calls us to live.
Yes… on a theological level communion can be complex, which is why different denominations hold differing views. But, it is also incredibly simple… Jesus says, “This is my body, broken for you. DO this, and remember me.”
Have more questions? You’re not alone! Join me at our first “Deep Dive” class in the sanctuary after worship on Sunday, April 19. Together, we will talk more about Communion and explore all questions at this intergenerational class for all stages of faith. I hope to see you there!
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