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eucharist
Eucharist - Greek for Thanksgiving. For us it is a Sacrament, which can be called an "avenue of grace." It's a tangible (touchable) way through which we receive real and active Grace from God in this life. There are many Christian traditions who have either done away with this all-together or who have watered it down to such a degree that it has little meaning or purpose in the life of the believer. We talked last night a bit about the real, mystical stuff of which our life in Christ is made - that we are a part of that in a way we cannot fully understand. Well, this sacramental avenue of touching that Life is also something we can't fully understand, but we have been implicitly asked to have faith that it is real - that His Presence to us in and through it is indeed Real and gives us real help on our journey to union with Him.
I looked at this picture I took yesterday and felt like encouraging you about the Eucharist. Here are a few things to keep in mind as we receive Christ in the sacrament: He Loves us - that's what it's all about. He has given Himself to us and asks us to receive Him continually. It has real mystical meaning and substance. I encourage us as a community to receive it as real and give thanks for what He has and is giving us as we do. It's not about you being "worthy" to receive it. If you have some faith in Jesus, realize your brokenness and His ability to put you back together - if you are coming to Jesus in receiving the sacrament, then do it. We're all unworthy. Worthiness is not an issue. The passage in Scripture speaking of such things is speaking more, as I see it, about whether or not we recognize the Body of Christ that we are a part of and Him being the Center of it. Come to Christ and receive healing and forgiveness and strength and courage and Life. Peace be with you.
| posted by + Alan | 3:57 PM |
4 comments
Hey Alan Good deal Rachel. I'm glad that hit home at some level. Oh, and if you can't read your compass at the moment, that's why an aircraft carrier doesn't have a crew of one. There are multiple navigators - those with more and less experience. Peace to you. The medicine of immortality, indeed. Last Sunday I was kneeling during the Mass as usual, but when the Priest came to the Epiclesis, his words went through me like an electric bolt. It was wonderful, and I can not predict when this will happen, but for me, Christ is always there, Redeeming me. By Monk-in-Training, at
10:51 AM 4 Comments:
Just wanted to say I had been rather discouraged lately. But the illustration you gave Sunday night about how long it takes to turn an aircraft carrier around. Well, that gave me back some hope. I don't even know if I know how to read my compass anymore. :o)
It's another promise by which I do not have to carry the weight of my redemption upon my own shoulders.
Amen.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling His death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer You these gifts. Sanctify them by Your Holy Spirit to be for Your people the Body and Blood of Your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him.