12 October 2005

A few more reflections on Holy Communion from the writing of Martin Luther.

Whoever is in despair, distressed by a sin-sicken conscience or terrified by death, or carrying some other burden upon his heart, if he would be rid of them all, let him go joyfully to the sacrament of the altar and lay down his woe in the midst of the community [of saints] and seek help from the entire company of the spiritual body. (LW 35, p.53)

When the Eucharist is the center of the community of saints, I would press us to consider that Luther is not only speaking about coming forward and taking the meal as a way to be unburdened of despair and the like. The promise of the presence of the Lord in the meal does indeed bring comfort and forgiveness of sins beyond what anyone can offer and thus the simple participation in the meal is enough to "heal the sin-sick soul." And yet, as I am carrying burdens upon my heart and come to the meal, I come within the embrace of the community. It is there within that body that the Lord is present and the people around me become for me the living presence of the Lord. both in the taking of the meal and the participation in the meal with others I am given the gift of the many sided expression of Christ's presence...and that...can save my life and heal me for life.

Connection: If you have time today. Stop for just a short time and imagine yourself in the sanctuary during the liturgy when we move our attention to the table and then to the distribution of the Lord's Supper. Don't just focus on the distribution of the bread and wine - but do make that the center of your imagination. In addition look around at the community of the holy who move forward and return from the meal. In this little adventure, may you be reminded of the Lord's presence with you even now.

We give you thanks, Gracious Lord, for not only do you give of yourself to all who come to the meal. You also make this community your own and we are thus a living part of your healing and reconciling body that brings peace, encouragement and comfort to the rest of your people. Praise to you, O Lord. Amen.