Christian Living

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The Lord's Supper, Eucharist, and Holy Communion are all synonymous, but for me, all conjure up differing images. The Lord's Supper reminds me of the Lord's last meal with his friends. As I receive the elements of bread and wine, I envision myself at His table knowing what's about to happen to Him, often overcome by deep sadness as I recall the death of a close friend.

The Lord's Supper is food for the journey before me. It's a time of reflection and renewal to face the personal struggles we all experience. Thinking this way, the Lord's Supper is an experience to anticipate. Coming to Him when I've been hurt or frustrated, receiving the elements representing His body and blood, I am nourished and rejuvenated to begin again when I feel I've fallen short of His expectations of me.

One experience comes to mind when I consider how receiving the Lord's Supper has shaped my life as a Christian. I recall a time, now many years ago, when I felt very unworthy of participating in the Lord's Supper. I didn't move forward as the usher directed me. Almost immediately after the service, I heard my name being called and footsteps close behind. Turning around I saw the pastor coming toward me. Wanting desperately to flee from him, I found myself frozen where I'd stopped. Gently, he escorted me back to the sacristy to take Communion privately. He reminded me that no matter what I'd done, if I brought my sin to the Lord and reconciled with the person who'd hurt me, the slate would be wiped clean and I'd be forgiven. To this day, I've never forgotten that lesson, nor have I missed receiving communion.

When I think of the word Eucharist, I am reminded of my early upbringing in the Roman Catholic Church -- a word to me so foreign, it never had any effect on me one way or the other. Even today, it's not a word I'm comfortable with because I can't relate it to the event in which it represents.

Holy Communion reminds me of many images from the stories I've read and taught from the Bible. I'm reminded of Moses when God told him to remove his shoes because he stood on holy ground. Moving toward the altar to receive communion, is a slow and reverential ritual. Communion happens at the end of our worship service, and yet no one moves quickly to receive the elements and return to their seats. It's an individual's time to share in the Lord's death. Many kneel in silent prayer, weeping quietly, as if they are weeping at the foot of the cross. Many embrace one another as if they are consoling each other at a funeral.

No matter how you think of it -- The Lord's Supper, Eucharist, or Holy Communion, it is a corporate, yet individual act of reconciliation within the Body of Christ.

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