Through the season of Advent, I invited parishioners to celebrate Communion each Sunday. I find power in observing the sacrament more frequently than usual. I also reflect on why I find participating in Communion is an essential part of my theological practice. The sacrament is more than a simple memory exercise, but a way to be in the room with Christ at the last meal before His death and resurrection. The Spirit invites us in to feed us and provide for our daily sustenance. As mentioned in prayer, divine guidance offers us the assurance that what we need to live is provided, “Give us this day, our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11 KJSV).
For one moment, we find ourselves present at the table. Jesus looks us dead in the eyes and says, “This is my body, broken for you.” We respond to our Lord by joining in the feast. The table is not fixed in ancient Palestine, but comes to us, right here, right now. The implication that it is not a simple act we do independently for ourselves, but what Christ offers us, is the central part of the sacrament. We focus on the eyes of our Savior, who proclaims through the meal that we are holy children, set apart for acts of service to each other and reverence to our Creator.
As we approach the promised Christmas season, let us use these last days of waiting to reflect on who Christ draws near to us. Be guided by the One who called you out of the darkness and into et lux perpetua (light that never dies). The next time we feast at the banquet, imagine that we sit at the table, invited by Jesus. How does our acceptance of the gift of bread and wine change us? Let us take the experience in and move forward as our waiting is almost over.
From a Pastor's Point of View 