It was the first time the bread had been placed in her hands. The words she heard so many times before, having been said to others are finally said to her; “This is the body of Christ given for you.” And then the cup; “This is the blood of Christ shed for you.” The gaze of the young girl was intently focused, her eyes locked in unbreakable contact with her pastor. It was her first receiving of Holy Communion.
When God’s forgiveness touches our lives in such a way, Christ is made known. His willingness to suffer for our sake, his selfless journey to the cross assures the people of God of the depths of his love. That our Lord would offer sinners his mercy and grace is incomprehensible, at least from a human standpoint. We are not deserving of such love yet, it is ours through the death of God’s only Son.
As the Apostle Paul writes; “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26) By believing and receiving, Christians proclaim the truth and the mysteries of God, that in his desire to save people from their sin, he would offer himself up for our sake. God’s love for you is eternal; it is complete and made know most especially in this Holy Supper. Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. For, he offers himself for you.
Gracious Lord, grace our table with your presence that we may be fed with the bread of life. Amen.
Image: Holy Communion – David Nuottila, 2013
In the Beginning 