Pastor’s Corner January 2010
Happy New Year! Sometimes when a new year starts I review some things that are worth repeating and drop or discontinue things I need to let go of. This is something I wanted to share with you that bears reviewing and sharing.
“DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.”
Recently, we were stunned by the news of the two students hit by the train near Springfield High School. Amber and Shannon Amand are students there and they shared their feelings about the incident and told us about the ,”MEMORIAL” that the students were making on the back fence in honor of the young boy that passed away.
We just happened to be studying about the sacrament of Holy Communion in our Confirmation class and I shared with my students that the “MEMORIAL” they were talking about was similar to the “MEMORIAL” that Jesus left for us in the sacrament of Holy Communion. When Jesus first shared the bread and wine with his apostles and called it his body and blood, he gave a very direct command. He said "Do this in remembrance of Me.” A quick look at these words might give the impression that Holy Communion was no more than a memory jogger.
WHAT DOES MARTIN LUTHER SAYS?
Martin Luther wanted people to realize what a precious gift Holy Communion is. He took special pains in his explanation of the sacrament to help people recognize this.
Martin Luther asks, "How can eating and drinking do all this?” Just like we learned about Baptism, it is the POWER OF GOD along with the BREAD and WINE that makes Holy Communion a special thing. Luther puts his focus on the WORDS "given and shed for YOU for the remission of sins.” You see it’s all about the power of God, and the ”WORDS,” that are being said and more importantly about the, BELIEF”, by you and me that when we believe the words are the doorway through which the wonderful gifts comes to us.
Holy Communion provides us with the memory of Jesus Christ and how He meets us each time we take communion. Jesus draws us closer to Him and other Christians in the family of God. Holy Communion provides us an opportunity to receive the forgiveness of sins. Christ meets us here and now.
So the next time you receive Holy Communion and Pastor says to you…..This is the BODY OF CHRIST you should respond…..AMEN!( Yes! I whole heartily agree! I BEIIEVE)
May you all be,”Too Blessed to be Stressed.” May God bless you all in this New Year.