Communion

Homework Assignment:

Several weeks ago, I had one of the most holy church experiences that I have been meaning to share with everyone. For the past year, I have had much difficulty in finding a worship service where I feel comfortable. I really set high standards for what I was looking for and found myself distracted with hardened-heart at the least little deviation from my "ideal church."

Over the past few months, I felt someone or something calling me to go back to this episcopal church I had been visiting previously. I left because I was still looking and found myself getting lost in all of the liturgy of the service. Though I felt called to give it another try, my pride would not let me. Before leaving this church, I told the priest my reservations about liturgical worship and that I would continue looking for a church home elsewhere. He told me that it sounded like I was shopping for religion, and that I would never find what I was looking for. He meant this for my own good, but it still hurt my feelings and my pride. Therefore, my pride would not let me go back for foolish fear that he would get some satisfaction out of being right. Utter foolishness.

After several Sundays of driving to this sanctuary only to turn away at the last minute, I finally broke down and gave in. I was welcomed like a prodigal son back into the arms of this beautiful family. I felt this warm fuzzy peace that consumed me from the inside out that I know it must have shown through the smile on my face as we sang hymns and recited prayers that are centuries old.

I was already in a very holy place that day, but God wasn't done with me yet. As I approached the altar for communion, a notion popped into my head that I should try to picture Jesus himself serving me communion. So I did my best and pictured the first artist rendition of Jesus that came into my head. He had the most reverent and loving look to his face, and though he wasn't really smiling, there was something about his eyes that was comforting and extinguished all fear and doubt in that still small moment. He gently placed the bread into my cupped hands while saying, "Take and eat. This is my body that is broken for you." I held in my hand for what seemed to be hours thinking of what this really meant and how it felt for Jesus to speak these words to me. Then he slowly lifted the chalice up to my lips and with closed eyes I drank. He said, "Take and drink. This is my blood which was poured out for you." After this, the priest who had hurt my feelings so many months back blessed me right then and there and made the sign of the cross on my forehead. My spirit was broken, and I began to cry softly as I made my way back to my seat.

So that's your homework assignment. I want you all to try this experiment the next time you take communion, and let me know the outcome. I hope you all find a new appreciation for the Lord's Supper like I have this year. I love you all, and God bless.