Taste and see that the Lord is good;
Psalm 34:8
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Today at church we celebrated The Lord’s Supper. I’m not sure what it is exactly about sharing the bread and the wine, but it always touches me in deep places and I find myself so vulnerable.
Our tradition is communion on the first Sunday of the month. So I arrived at church with anticipation. Then there is the setting: our sanctuary, with the stained glass in the morning light along with the history of this place, plus the fact that there are people we love dearly in almost every pew… the cumulative effect is so wedded to the spirit of sharing and of spiritual nourishment and of healing.
Tears:
Then, right after I ate the bread and sipped from the cup, I returned to my seat and paused to pray. But before I did I caught a glimpse of more good people, waiting in line to receive communion and sitting in their seats and walking back to their places. And I took in all the love in one deep breath.
And, while in prayer, I could not help but think of all the people I love who are not taking communion today. I thought of how powerful and how healing the bread and the wine can be and so I prayed for them – each individually – their names whispered on my lips and resting on my heart. And I could not help myself I leaked a little around the eyes.
I want so much…
I want so much for them to be nourished and encouraged by the symbols of what Christ has done for us – and continues to do. To be sustained by the Holy. To be held in the everlasting arms. These are not rewards for following the rules or living our best lives, but part and parcel of being loved and held and honored and redeemed by God.
God is not waiting for us to feel like we deserve to take the bread and the wine, God has already paid every possible price there is and Jesus is offering the truth of it to each one without judgement, without guilt, without any prerequisite requirements.
So come, take a moment to reconnect with the Holy, take the bread, take the wine, take the huge hug Jesus offers. Taste and see that the Lord is good. So very good – DEREK