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Jesus institutes the Last Supper, transforming the Passover meal into a memorial of his sacrifice, where he declares the bread his body and the cup the new covenant in his blood, to be remembered by his disciples. In our remembrance of our Lord and Savior, we particularly take time to spiritually prepare by praying, fasting, and giving. It is a time in our preparation for reflecting, repenting, and growing more deeply connected with God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
In our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior, we join in communion, we come collectively in worship or by individual in holiness doing this in timely remembrance. In so doing, we connect the past with the present and the future, where the living Christ continues to be among us as his followers, and he still gives himself for us.
On this day and everyday, we come with renewed commitment in our growing relationship with God. We may drift, but we come back to the basics with a reconciled heart. Jesus warned the disciples of the hardships they will face; the warning is our invitation as a “wake up call.” It is Jesus telling us of his sacrifice for us and his redemption available for sinners; for we have all sinned. Still, He did this for us. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
We are in a serious time. Horrible tragedies are occurring daily. Clearly this is not comforting and clearly it is not standard values of freedom. Yet we must make critical decisions for survival. No doubt grappling with these challenges leads to difficult or unattainable solutions. In such circumstances we can easily drift, veer away from God’s purpose. God offers Christ for us, calling us to make a distinct and holy impact in the world.
As the embodiment of God’s reign, Jesus gives himself in service to others, using his authority to heal, save and free. By serving one another and encouraging others, we are a witness to Jesus Christ. This brings a starkly different authority of worldly leaders, the power of darkness that dominates, imprisons, and skills, that emphasizes the dramatic contrast between the kingdom of God and the authorities of this world.
It is time for spiritual renewal as well as self-discipline. Althought it may be your time of unrest, it was a time of unrest when Jesus and his disciples gathered for the Passover Meal. Today, the Lord’s Supper teaches us about the necessity to love each other. Jesus leads us on the journey to that freedom. We come to the Lord’s Table, in timely remembrance because we come into the depth of this reality. We come standing on the promises of God. This is God’s covenant with us in Christ. We remain in God and God remains in us. Amen.
Rev. Carole M. Moore, Assistant Pastor
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