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“Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your
gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may
be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.”
These words are part of the official PC(USA) Communion Liturgy. In them,
we are reminded of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. When I serve
communion I repeat them, saying “The body and blood of Christ.” I do this
for a reason.
Along with his love, mercy and compassion, Jesus’ suffering is an
essential part of the Christian story. It is, in fact, by the shedding of blood
that God enacts God’s redeeming gift of grace—life blood given for new
life in others.
In the Bible, blood is always associated with life. Leviticus 17:11 says, "For
the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Modern science also confirms this.
Blood is indispensable for sustaining life because it delivers oxygen and
nutrients, removes waste, protects against disease, and supports the
body's essential functions. An average adult has about a gallon and a half
of blood circulating continuously throughout their body.
Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood or platelets, and
approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day. Yet,
only about 3% of Americans donate blood each year, despite most healthy
adults being eligible.
This summer, on Friday, August 28 from 8 am-1 pm, our church will
host a Red Cross Blood Drive. I encourage all who are able to give this
life-giving, essential gift as an offering unto God in gratitude for Christ’s
redeeming gift of salvation. We can do for others what Christ has done for
us—shed some blood to ensure life for others.
Please click here to register.
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