On Communion


Growing up, the churches I was involved in participated in communion on a monthly or quarterly basis. I think the thought behind this was not to create a tradition in which we lost the special meaning of communion. And I appreciate the heart behind wanting everything we do as Christians to have a meaning and purpose.

 Recently, my husband and I became members of a new church and I soon realized communion is done every week. At first, I was worried about the possibilities of this becoming just another ritual to check off my list on Sunday mornings. I thought surely I would soon no longer recognize the depth of this beautiful picture of Jesus sacrificing His body and shedding His blood so I could have freedom in Him. 

Friends, I could not have been more wrong. In fact, I don’t think I appreciated communion enough before. You see, I am not a perfect person. Mom, if you’re reading this, I know you’re shocked, but it’s true. I screw up sometimes, a lot of times, and occasionally in pretty big ways. And oftentimes, I pull myself into church on Sunday mornings feeling far from Jesus and prepared to go through the motions.

 But a few weeks ago, I was sitting in church, preparing to take communion, when I was struck by the wonder of this practice. Something beautiful happens when week in and week out, you are offered the sacrifice of Jesus. Weekly communion taught me no matter where I had been or what happened in my week, Jesus is there, holding out His grace to me for another week. His sacrifice is still good and it still holds weight in my life. It does not matter if I skip down the aisle or if I have to drag myself to the bread and grape juice (come on, we aren’t Catholics. No wine for us). He isn’t changing and His gift to me is not going anywhere. What fantastic, awesome surrender and freedom! Friends, He is here, arms extended to us. Take a breath and relish in this truth. Let's always live in awe and wonder. 

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