In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the profound spiritual practices that can ground us and reconnect us with the divine. One such practice, often overlooked or taken for granted, is the act of communion. This sacred meal, instituted by Jesus himself, holds depths of meaning and power that many of us have yet to fully explore.
The origins of communion trace back to the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. In a room filled with his closest disciples, Jesus took bread, broke it, and declared, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took a cup of wine, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” With these simple yet profound actions, Jesus established a ritual that would become central to Christian worship for millennia to come.
But what exactly are we participating in when we take communion? Is it merely a symbolic act, a remembrance of a historical event? Or is there something more mystical, more transformative at work?
Throughout church history, theologians and believers have grappled with these questions. Some, like the Catholic Church, believed in transubstantiation – the idea that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Others, like Martin Luther, proposed consubstantiation, suggesting that Christ becomes present in the elements when consumed. Still others, like Ulrich Zwingli, saw communion as purely symbolic.
However, there’s a perspective that bridges these views, one that recognizes both the symbolic nature of the elements and the very real presence of Christ in the act of communion. This understanding sees communion as a sacrament – a physical means of experiencing divine grace.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the gravity of communion. He warns against partaking in an “unworthy manner,” not because we must be perfect to participate, but because we should approach the table with reverence, understanding, and self-examination. Paul goes so far as to say that weakness, sickness, and even premature death among believers could be linked to a failure to discern the body of Christ in communion.
This isn’t meant to scare us away from the communion table, but to awaken us to its profound significance. When we partake in communion, we’re not just going through the motions or performing a religious ritual. We’re participating in a mystical union with Christ and with fellow believers. We’re proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes again, connecting past, present, and future in a single, sacred moment.
Imagine sitting at that table with Jesus and the disciples on that fateful night. Picture Jesus looking into your eyes as he offers you the bread, saying, “This is my body, broken for you.” Envision him holding out the cup, inviting you to partake in the new covenant sealed by his blood. This isn’t just a historical reenactment – it’s an invitation to experience the living presence of Christ here and now.
The Moravian Church, known for its powerful prayer meetings that lasted over a century, had a unique approach to communion. They believed Christ was so present in the elements that they would wait silently until they felt Jesus himself calling them to partake. This practice transformed communion from a routine ritual into a deeply personal encounter with the divine.
What if we approached communion with this level of expectancy and reverence? What if, instead of simply going through the motions, we came to the table truly hungry for a divine encounter? What if we allowed ourselves to be fully present in the moment, open to hearing Christ’s voice, feeling his touch, receiving his healing and restoration?
Communion is more than just a religious observance – it’s an opportunity for spiritual nourishment, for healing of body and soul, for renewal of our covenant relationship with God. It’s a chance to experience afresh the forgiveness of sins, the restoration of our brokenness, and a foretaste of the glory that awaits us in eternity.
As we partake, we’re not only remembering Christ’s sacrifice but also proclaiming our faith in his return. We’re participating in a meal that spans time and eternity, connecting us with believers past, present, and future. We’re experiencing a common union – communion – with Christ and with his body, the church.
Perhaps it’s time for us to rediscover the power and mystery of this sacred meal. To approach the communion table not with casual familiarity, but with holy anticipation. To come not out of mere habit or obligation, but with hearts open to encounter the living Christ.
What might happen if we truly believed that Christ was present in the communion elements? How might it change our approach if we imagined Jesus himself serving us, taking our hands, looking into our eyes as he offers us his body and blood? Could this shift in perspective lead us into a new dimension of intimacy with God?
As we reflect on the meaning of communion, let’s challenge ourselves to engage more fully in this sacred act. Let’s come to the table with hearts prepared, minds alert, and spirits expectant. Let’s approach communion not as a mere religious ritual, but as a divine appointment – a chance to meet with the living Christ, to receive his grace, to be transformed by his presence.
In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, communion offers us a chance to experience true connection – with God, with each other, and with our own deepest selves. It’s an invitation to pause, to remember, to receive, and to be renewed.
May we never lose our sense of wonder at this sacred meal. May we approach the communion table with reverence, gratitude, and expectation. And may each time we partake be a fresh encounter with the living Christ, drawing us deeper into the mystery of his love and the power of his ongoing work in our lives.
