Edina Hall
“…Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
—Matthew 16:16-28
Beloved Church Family,
When my husband Steve and I married, we had the honor of passing out communion. The bread was lovingly baked by a parishioner of a local Episcopal church, and the wine was selected by my father—a Beaujolais Nouveau. A new wine for a new family. It was touching to share our first meal as a new family with those that we loved. Some stayed in their seats, but most came forward.
I paused when the last person walked down the aisle—Steve’s Aunt Roberta (Bert). She was Jewish. I knew “technically” she should not receive communion as she was not baptized. I placed the bread in her open hand anyway, and thought, “Well, technically I’m not trained to be giving it out.”
The Body of Christ.
Many years later, after she became Episcopalian, Bert and I talked about that moment. She admitted that she knew that as a Jew she shouldn’t have received communion, but was moved to be a part of the first meal of our newly formed family.
Her longing to be a part of this sacrament often has me wondering how I approach receiving communion.
Our Catechism (outline of our faith) gives guidance. “It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.” (BCP, pg 859)
It also outlines the benefits:
“… the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.” (BCP, pg 859-860)
But I believe that each of us approaches receiving communion in our own unique way.
Maybe when you approach the rail, you have fasted, ensuring that the first meal of Sunday is the Body and Blood of Christ. Maybe you have said a prayer before and after. Maybe there is a little anxiety about when to go, kneel, or stand. Maybe you don’t feel worthy, or it is a “holy habit”.
Maybe you don’t anticipate transformation. I bet Bert did not.
But maybe, just maybe, we should all approach the rail with such hope and expectation.
United with Christ and his apostles from the first communion,
—Edina
*Saint Philip’s welcomes all baptized to receive communion and, for those that are not, a blessing. If you are curious about baptism, please click here.