13 October 2005

The images of Holy Communion are so powerful in Luther's writings - again from Luther's Works.

Then do not doubt that you have what the sacrament signifies, that is, be certain that Christ and all his saints are coming to you with all their virtues, sufferings, and mercies, to live, work, suffer and die with you, and that they desire to be wholly yours, having all things in common with you. If you will exercise and strengthen this faith, then you will experience what a rich, joyous, and bountiful wedding feast your God has prepared for you upon the altar... Then your heart will become truly free and confident, strong and courageous against all enemies. (LW 35, p.61)

When we talk about the communion of saints present at the Lord's Supper, we are not simply referring to those who are visible in the pews or chairs all around us. We reach out into the vast history of the faithful whose lives have been shaped by the presence of our Lord in the meal just as the Lord is present each time we gather at the table. Luther doesn't say, "Try to imagine this or that." Luther says, "...be certain that Christ and all his saints are coming to you..." When the bread is handed to you and it is "for you" and when the wine is presented to you to drink and it is "for you" be certain that generation after generation trusted that promise and their lives walked out onto that promise and they now will be our encouragement to walk out in faith as that will lead us through the highs and lows of our everyday life. Within that embrace - that reality in which we can be certain - we will be given the strength to follow Jesus where it is most difficult - our everyday experiences.

Connection: Be certain of the life that is available to us through this day. We are not alone. We are part of a promised life through which many have gone before us and in which we now move, inspired by the God who is so on our side that God did not shy away from being put right into the middle of all the "stuff" that is contained within our lives. Be certain...be certain....be certain that with us today is this promised Lord.

Come, Lord, and be our guest within this day so that as we move along the way you will be for us the one who upholds us and calls us beyond what we would want and into the domain of the wealth of your promised life. Amen.