For the last few weeks, the Gospel readings have been from John 6 where Jesus talks about himself as the “bread of life.” The text has very clear connections to Holy Communion, even though John’s gospel doesn’t record him instituting it. So, what is Holy Communion? We celebrate it every Sunday, but I rarely preach about it directly or explain what it means and why we do it, even though I invite everyone to participate “wherever you are on your journey of faith.” If you are like most people, the last time you learned about Holy Communion was when you went through Confirmation as a teenager (if you grew up Lutheran) or even younger… if you learned about it at all. Hence, “Holy Communion 101.”

It’s often called, “the Lord’s Supper,” the “Eucharist” (a Greek word meaning, ‘thanksgiving’), or the “sacrament of the altar.” In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells us to “eat his flesh and drink his blood” (John 6:54). It sounds morbid but he ties his death to the bread and wine of the Passover meal that he celebrates with his disciples on the eve of his betrayal and death. In other words, his body and blood are the bread and wine of the meal. Then he says, “Do this in remembrance of me,” which we do every Sunday. There is SO MUCH within this act of worship. Too much for me to write about in this mini-article (which means you’ll have to come to church to hear more! [hint, hint]). Jesus commands us to do this to remember him—but in his command he joins God’s word of promise—of resurrection!—to the bread and wine which we eat in fellowship. That word of promise is “…given for you.”

This act of worship, of eating a little bread and wine, is full of God’s grace. God’s grace by definition is a free gift. It invites faith, it creates faith, and that faith—that trust—receives what is offered, God’s very self in Jesus Christ.

Peace,
Pr. Christian