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The Meal that Transforms

  • lslangmeyer
  • Sep 7
  • 4 min read

Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 26:26-29


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“Take and eat; this is my body.”  “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant”  Matthew 26:26-29

As we gather this morning to celebrate Holy Communion, how often do you think about the significance of sharing bread and juice during this service? What does this celebration mean to you? Has it become just a routine, or does it still provide you with spiritual nourishment? What lies beneath the surface of the Lord’s Supper, a ritual that has been practiced for thousands of years? Why is it considered such a powerful act of faith and a transformative meal?

The Lord's Supper, rooted in the ancient Passover, symbolizes both remembrance and hope during Jesus' last meal. It is a vital part of Christian worship, emphasizing our deep connection to God, who loves us and sacrificed His Son for our salvation. Participating in Holy Communion deepens our relationships with God and others, fostering a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging is a meaningful experience that involves embracing God's love and the love of our neighbors.

The Lord’s Supper is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship, serving as both a communal experience and an essential part of the church's practice. It unites us as we reaffirm our faith and engage in the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. This ritual deepens our spiritual fellowship.

The Lord’s Supper emphasizes our ongoing dependence on Christ’s atonement and fosters unity within our congregation. By participating regularly, we enhance our worship experience, drawing closer to both Christ and one another. This sacrament acts as a spiritual anchor, linking our worship to Jesus' sacrificial love.

It is important to understand that the Lord’s Supper is more than just a religious duty or ceremony; it is a vital means of expressing our faith and strengthening our community and spiritual connections. Sharing bread and juice reminds us of our shared commitment to Christ’s command. This practice keeps our faith rooted in both history and the present, serving as a living testament to divine love and sacrifice.

Participating in the Lord’s Supper opens a door to personal spirituality and deepens our reflective worship. It offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with Christ’s sacrifice. This practice also strengthens the bonds within the community of believers. It is a time to experience God’s love and reaffirm our commitment to the gospel.

Communion is a profound personal experience that encourages thoughtful worship. As we partake of the bread and juice, we feel God’s love intensely. This moment is intended for reflection on our relationship with Christ and for renewing our spiritual strength. The communal aspect of this ritual supports our individual journeys, fostering unity within the congregation.

During the Lord's Supper, reflecting on Christ's love helps us understand the magnitude of His sacrifice. This reflection is essential for personal spirituality, as it enables us to grasp the depth of His love for us fully. Through this observance, we are inspired to live out the principles of the gospel, which promote personal growth and foster a stronger sense of community. It reinforces our collective commitment to following Christ’s teachings.

Due to its significance and central role in Christian worship, the Lord's Supper has been referred to by various names. In the Book of Acts, it is called “the bread-breaking,” which nicely combines the fellowship meal with the remembrance of the Lord’s Supper.

The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word for thanksgiving, underscoring the gratitude that should accompany our celebration of what Christ has done for us. The word “Communion” serves as a reminder that in this moment, we fellowship with Jesus and with fellow believers. The term "Holy Communion" highlights that this is a special, set-apart occasion for fellowship.

“The Lord’s Table” also serves as a reminder that this meal represents a life-sustaining event, connecting the Last Supper with the disciples in the upper room to the great marriage feast in the new heavens and new earth. Lastly, “Mass”—derived from the Latin word for “sending”—reminds us that the Father sent His Son, and now His Son sends out His people in the Spirit’s power after strengthening them through the supper.

Regardless of what we call it or how we celebrate it, there is much to gain from reflecting on the symbolism associated with this shared meal. When we partake of the bread and juice, we recall the past, find encouragement in the present, and look forward to the future. This act is more than merely remembering Christ’s sacrifice; it is a celebration of the new life He offers us.

Let this sacred meal prompt us to reflect, confess, and give thanks. It should guide us to live in a way that honors the profound truths it embodies. Together, let us cherish this vital act of worship, as it strengthens our spiritual journey and deepens our connection with the divine.

Let us continue to approach this moment with reverence, joy, gratitude, and faith. As the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “The moments we are nearest to heaven are those we spend at the Lord’s table.” At this table, we encounter the Lord, who calls us His own.

 
 
 

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