Eat and Drink

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

I grew up in the Catholic church, so at the age of eight, I began receiving communion at least once a week depending on how many times we went to Mass.  There’s no doubt that over the years, I have taken communion for granted.

Even as an adult, worshipping in the Lutheran church, I don’t always stop to think about what I’m doing.  Once a month, I get up when instructed, eat the bread, drink the wine and sit back down.  Am I humbling myself before taking on the body and blood of Christ?  No.

Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples to receive their friend’s offering.  How special that meal must have been!  But because we weren’t there when Jesus broke the bread and took the cup, we may feel like we aren’t experiencing the same supper that Peter, John and the others did.  But we are!

Every time we accept the bread and wine, Jesus is with us.  Catholics and Lutherans believe that during communion, the bread IS Jesus’s body and the wine his blood.  They are not symbols, but the real deal.  That’s why it’s so important that we take time to pause and acknowledge what’s happening.  We are taking on Jesus.  He is becoming part of us and we are experiencing Him in a way that’s uniquely different than reading the Bible or praying.  This sacramental encounter has the power to transform us like no other.  We must not take it for granted.

Father, thank you for giving us your Son who died and offered us his body and blood.  May we remember how precious a gift the Eucharist is and acknowledge your presence.  “For when we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again” (Liturgy of the Eucharist).  Amen

Luke 24:13-33

On The Road To Emmaus

Two men traveling down a dirt road from Jerusalem to Emmaus were talking about everything that happened in Jerusalem to Jesus of Nazareth. They were approached by a stranger and asked what they were talking about. They could not believe he did not know of the event. He seemed oblivious. The two men share that “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” They had hoped Jesus was going to redeem Israel, but shared great disappointed that it had not happened. That Jesus was not the one.

As they traveled on foot together, this stranger shared with them what was in the scriptures about Jesus. He knew the complete version of the story, for He WAS Jesus, but they did not recognize him. He wanted his followers to know that His life, death, and resurrection were all foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. Can you imagine walking and talking with Jesus, and not knowing it’s him?

These two unknowing believers even got to share dinner with Jesus. At their table, Jesus broke bread and shared it with them. At that moment their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. Then in an instant, He disappeared. Just when they would have had the opportunity to have really had great conversation with Jesus, He vanished.

Perhaps there are times we too, unknowingly see, walk or talk with Jesus. He certainly has the power to arrive on the scene in a moments notice. If perchance Jesus does show up unannounced and in disguise, will we love Him as He modeled for us; unconditionally and without hesitation, with our whole heart?

This relational God we serve expects that of us. His sacrifice was for everyone. His love knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is unending. Is ours?

Read/Listen to: Luke 24:13-33