Why is Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist so important? Why should we regularly partake of it? Is it all for show? Is there real meaning in it? Are we just going through the motions? Do we understand why we are to partake of it?
Unfortunately, some Christians are not really sure why they partake of communion. They know they should because they have been told they should. They may know that it was implemented by Jesus at what we call the Last Supper, but not much more.
Jesus, Himself, gives us the answer to the question. We are to partake of it so that we may have life. There is mystery wrapped up in partaking it that we do not fully understand. Yet, we know that Jesus tells us to partake it, just like He tells us to believe in Him. In the partaking of communion, we are granted life. Not just any life, but eternal life.
Not only are we receiving eternal life, but we are being renewed in Him. As we focus our hearts and minds on Him, our mind is being renewed through the remembrance of what He has done for us. Our minds are also renewed as we ponder His teachings. Perhaps the pastor who leads at the table provides something specific to remember about Jesus. That helps renew our minds.
Holy Communion is a sacred rite. It is a time of reflection on ourselves, a remembrance of Jesus, and a time to be thankful. Being in the right state of mind, meaning open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we experience Holy Communion differently each time we partake. Something different is brought to mind. The Holy Spirit moves differently within us. Each time is unique and each time we are renewed with life.
I pray we all know we are to partake of Holy Communion. I pray we open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit. I pray each one of us experience Holy Communion each time we partake of it. Partake of Holy Communion. Open your heart. Open your mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Be renewed. Receive eternal life.
John 6:53 So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
Marty Pressey 