Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Communion: Foretaste of the Kingdom
Luke.22:14-23
Dr. Eapen Daniel
Trinity MTC, Houston
19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

 
The referenced scripture is one of the most prominent depictions of the basis of Christian beliefs and hope. Traditionally all churches believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the Lord in which believers eat the bread, signifying Christ’s body given for His people, and drink the cup of the Lord, signifying the New Covenant in Christ’s blood. We do this in remembrance of the Lord, and thus proclaim His death until He comes. Those who eat and drink in a sanctified manner partake of Christ’s body and blood, not physically, but spiritually, in that, by faith they are nourished with the benefits of Christ obtained through His death, and thus grow in His grace in all aspects of our life. The actions and meaning of it are all rooted in what Jesus said and did on that last night. Jesus himself is the origin of the Lord’s Supper. He commanded that it be continued, and he is the focus and content of it.

 
The Lord’s Supper is a sharp reminder, time after time, that Christianity is not a new-age spirituality; rather it is rooted in historical facts. Jesus lived with a body and a heart that pumped blood and a skin that bled. He died publicly on a Roman cross in the place of sinners. That happened once and for all in written history.

 
    There is nothing hidden or secretive about the Holy Communion. It is performed in public and has an intensive public meaning. It is not a communal, cultic ritual with magical powers but  It is our sincere act of worship by the members of the faithful church. As proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” There is a life giving and power releasing aspect to the Holy Communion that we ought to realize and participate in as often and as sanctified as we can be, thus gaining more eternal wisdom and spiritual health. As written in many theological doctrines, this newly attained wisdom and health keeps us strong through all strife and errors and keeps us serene, in conjunction with all others who participate in this public proclamation.

 
    In our worship services, often we do not pay much attention to the wordings and chants from “Thaksa”, but that entails some of the strongest prayers, repentance and other supplications that if we pay attention, will surely and dearly touch our hearts. Next time, when we attend the Holy Communion service, let us pay more attention to each and every prayer/chant that the Pastor and the congregation recite and truly feel the meaning of the same, and it will lead us to a deeper sanctification.

PRAYER

Lord, prepare us to participate in thy table with a full heart and mind so that as we  partake in thy body and blood, it may sanctify us to the best and lead us  to a life that is enriched with thy strength and thy humility.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Participate in Holy Eucharist with a sanctified and attentive mind and acquire renewed Godly wisdom and energy…..!! 

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