Why Communion?

This weekend is significant for us all as we come to table. On Saturday we gather with those we know, and those we do not know, to break bread together and build community at the Longest Table. In a world with an epidemic of loneliness, this is a lovely opportunity. I am so looking forward to sitting at this one long table to break bread together. This is communion with our neighborhood. Also, this weekend we will celebrate World Communion Sunday. On this day churches all over the world promise to take communion and transcend time and place to recognize the significance of being the Body of Christ together. We celebrate the beautiful diversity of language, country, skin, denomination and culture to recognize the ties that bind us together as followers of Jesus Christ.

When I was called for jury duty in Okmulgee County, the prosecuting attorney for the trial lived down the block from me. When asked if I knew anyone involved in the trial, I responded “Yes, I know the prosecuting attorney.” When they pressed me on this relationship, I said that when he walked his dog by my home that I always said hello or we commented on the weather. They continued to press me on the intimacy of our relationship by asking me this question “Have you ever shared a meal together?” I have thought of that moment often. It is so true that sharing a meal together increases the level of intimacy of a relationship. This week I was blessed to share a meal with Ivy G. who is the chair of our Leadership Team. We laughed about how we had intended to do this all year but her schedule as a busy working mom hasn’t left any time for that opportunity. The need to complete the Clergy Review finally made this sharing table happen.

Jesus knew that community and relationships were built around table. He is always inviting himself and others to break bread together. This sacrament of Holy Communion is remembering a meal that Jesus had with his closest followers before his trial and ultimately death happened. This time and ritual is so important that only an Ordained Clergy person is allowed to preside at this table. Through this act of remembering and gathering we bind ourselves to each other, to those who have gone before us and to Jesus Christ himself. It is sacred and beautiful and I give thanks that I serve a church that sees the value of this special Sunday.

I hope to see you laughing, eating and enjoying each other and some new faces on Saturday. I long to gather around the table of our Lord, to celebrate the beauty of humanity claimed and loved by Jesus.

PS I could use at least one more helper at the church at 12:30 on Saturday to load up chairs and tables!