Gathering at table is a part of our Christian identity. It's something that was handed down to us from our Jewish heritage. The Passover meal (Seder) is a one of the places where Jews remember and recite their history. Each food on the Passover plate represents a part of the story. Those seated at the table are not only there to eat. They also have parts in the retelling the story through questions and dialogue answers. Even children have a pivotal role in making sure that everyone there hears the story and understands its significance in the life of the Jewish people.
This is the meal that Jesus and his followers were sharing. It probably started out as any normal Seder. But during the meal, Jesus refocuses the story from the past to the future. He raised some remaining bread and said, "This is my body broken for you." He raised a ceremonial cup of wine - the cup of redemption - and said, "This is my blood of the new covenant shed for you."
In these actions, Jesus transformed the Seder meal into a new defining meal, which we call the Eucharist (thanksgiving) or Holy Communion. This would now be the meal that defined our worship together
, commemorating the life and sacrifice of Christ. At this table we come as sinners, receive forgiveness, and share a meal with all who share in our love of Christ.
In these actions, Jesus transformed the Seder meal into a new defining meal, which we call the Eucharist (thanksgiving) or Holy Communion. This would now be the meal that defined our worship together, commemorating the life and sacrifice of Christ. At this table we come as sinners, receive forgiveness, and share a meal with all who share in our love of Christ.
I'm sure everyone gathered around the table was confused. And yet they carried on, hearing the teachings of Jesus, probably knowing that soon everything would change. Soon it becomes evident that there is a traitor among them. Others will deny and desert him. Strangers would be called to help carry the cross, and eventually Jesus would be totally abandoned as his trial progressed at the ends of those who hated him.
It's very easy for us to see others in the light of blame and shame. Put the shoe on the other foot and it's a totally different experience. How often are we willing to ask the question, "When we have been like Judas or Peter or the other disciples, denying, deserting and betraying Jesus in the ways we think, speak and act?" For some of the us the answer is, "Never." But for others, it's "All the time." Who among us has not been clueless to an action or behavior to hurt others? Who among us has stayed away from church or Christian friendship because we don't believe we are worthy of the forgiveness that God and our sisters and brothers offer?
Jesus knew what Peter and the rest were going to do, and he loved them anyway. In the midst of the turmoil, he changed the way he talked about them, describing them no longer as servants but now acknowledging them as friends. And he does the same for us.
I have known many people who have stayed away from the communion meal because they felt unworthy to receive the meal... unworthy to be a part of the community of faith. And yet even in the midst of our doubts and sins and unfaithfulness, the table is the place where it all becomes right. The table is a place of healing. The table is a place for being filled. The table is a place for community and caring. Seated there together,we are one.
Think about these questions as you reflect on our reading this week:
1 - What are some of your best memories of gathering around the table to share a meal with others? What words would you use to describe how your feel or see yo
urself after these experiences?
2 - What role does Holy Communion play in your worship life? Does this week's reading help you to think differently about it?
Please feel free to post comments or questions in the section below.
Peace, Deb
For next week: Read "2. The Garden of Gethsemane"
It's very easy for us to see others in the light of blame and shame. Put the shoe on the other foot and it's a totally different experience. How often are we willing to ask the question, "When we have been like Judas or Peter or the other disciples, denying, deserting and betraying Jesus in the ways we think, speak and act?" For some of the us the answer is, "Never." But for others, it's "All the time." Who among us has not been clueless to an action or behavior to hurt others? Who among us has stayed away from church or Christian friendship because we don't believe we are worthy of the forgiveness that God and our sisters and brothers offer?
Jesus knew what Peter and the rest were going to do, and he loved them anyway. In the midst of the turmoil, he changed the way he talked about them, describing them no longer as servants but now acknowledging them as friends. And he does the same for us.I have known many people who have stayed away from the communion meal because they felt unworthy to receive the meal... unworthy to be a part of the community of faith. And yet even in the midst of our doubts and sins and unfaithfulness, the table is the place where it all becomes right. The table is a place of healing. The table is a place for being filled. The table is a place for community and caring. Seated there together,we are one.
Think about these questions as you reflect on our reading this week:
1 - What are some of your best memories of gathering around the table to share a meal with others? What words would you use to describe how your feel or see yo
urself after these experiences?
2 - What role does Holy Communion play in your worship life? Does this week's reading help you to think differently about it?
Please feel free to post comments or questions in the section below.
Peace, Deb
For next week: Read "2. The Garden of Gethsemane"
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