J.R. Briggs

Embracing the mystery of communion

August 14, 2012

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Every time our church gathers together, we participate in communion.

Slowly, we are growing to appreciate the incredible mystery of this symbolic act and the significant implications it places on our lives. This was read by a couple in our church before we took communion as a community. (NOTE: for context, our church holds our gatherings in the gym of the local Boys and Girls Club).

These words are still reverberating in my soul a few weeks later.

This morning we celebrate communion in the midst our response to God and His goodness. We do this by remembering the sacrifice of Christ, who placed our sins upon himself, carrying our pain and sin for us. We reenact a movement from being enemies to being friends with the God of the universe. 

Communion remains central to who we are as followers of Jesus. It remains central to our church – both literally and figuratively. The communion table is always at center court here in the gym, reminding us of the centrality this message carries for us individually and collectively as a church. 

What we remember at this table is the process of our renewal and rescue that has taken place – and continues to take place – in our lives.

Confessing.

Forgiving. 

Rescuing. 

Renewing. 

Embracing.

Celebrating.    

Each time we gather, we celebrate this mighty act to remember we cannot save ourselves. No, it is Christ who does the rescuing and the renewing. It is grace – sheer grace. All we must do is accept the invitation to the party. The RSVP to the party begins with an admission we are failures. We have failed to live a life of perfection and we need help. 

 When we eat the bread and drink the wine/juice, we are participating in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We are reminded that Christ can handle our baggage – even the baggage too big to fit in the overhead compartment.

Communion is not for perfect people; communion is for hungry people. If you are here to receive grace and mercy from Jesus, you are welcome at the table. 

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