Monday, August 17, 1998
Monday, August 17, 1998
"Take, eat; this is my body." (Matthew 26:26
NRSV)
For Christians living in the first century, sharing in the Lord's Supper was very important. They
could experience oneness as they came together to share the holy meal. After the Christians
worked hard all day, they met in each other's homes and shared a meal. Following the meal there
would be a message followed by the singing of hymns. They would remember the words of Jesus,
"Take, eat, this is my body given for you...take and drink...." In a world that was often unkind to
Christians they found strength from their meal and fellowship together.
There is a story about a 75 year old man who bought a hairpiece, had a face lift, and worked out
for six months. Then he invited a woman half his age to dinner. As they got out of his new sports
car, the man was struck my lighting and died. When he got to heaven, he rushed up to the gate
and said, "Why me?"
St. Peter replied, "Oh, we didn't recognize you!"
Will God recognize us as a faithful Christian? We cannot be Christians by ourselves, we need
each other. Communion brings us together as a family and gives us a sense of unity.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me and my fellow Christians a simple meal to
bring us together. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA