23-26Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord's Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said,
This is my body, broken for you.
Do this to remember me.
After supper, he did the same thing with the cup:
This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you.
Each time you drink this cup, remember me.
What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt. (The Message)
Communion is an important part of many faith traditions. At New Ground we share communion each week even at the risk of it becoming too familiar and losing it's impact. As we share the bread and cup together we are reminded that we are all in the same place and each stand in need of the reminder that we are loved and forgiven by the death of Jesus Christ. But communion while it remembers Jesus death does not end there. Communion reminds us that Jesus has been raised from the dead and that he is present with us even in that moment as we take in the bread and cup. Communion reminds us that Jesus continues to live and that his death and resurrection are a continuing reality each and every day.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- When you read this passage what does it make you think that Paul felt when he shared communion with other believers?
- What is your first memory of communion?
- When you received communion most recently how did it make you feel?
- What might make you feel like communion has become too familiar?
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