Prayer: God of the journey, to You all our hearts are open, all desires
known, and from You no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit so that we may perfectly love You and
all of Your creation. May we magnify Your
holy name by the words and actions we do each day. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen. (adapted from the Book of Alternate Service General Synod of the Anglican Church of
Canada, 1985. pg 185)
Luke 24: 28 – 35
As Jesus and the disciples came near the
village, the disciples invite Jesus to
stay with them. The disciples offer
hospitality to Jesus.
It was nearing a meal time so Jesus reclined at
table with the two disciples. This is
interesting in that the disciples ask Jesus to break the bread. Jesus acts as host. This was very unusual as usually the oldest
male would be the host and serve others.
Perhaps they asked Jesus to be the host in deference to his
teachings. Suddenly,
as Jesus gives thanks for the bread,
the two disciples’ eyes were opened and they recognized
Jesus. Jesus then vanishes from their
sight. With great delight, the two disciples return to Jerusalem and
share with the other disciples what had happened on the road and at the
breaking of bread.
Each time we celebrate Communion, we share in the Emmaus story. Communion is more than breaking the bread
and drinking the grape juice. Communion
is a reminder for all of us of the glorious life and ministry of Jesus. Communion is a time for us to put aside our
worries and concerns and centre our lives on God. Communion is a time of hospitality where we
invite everyone to share in the meal and remembrance of Jesus. Communion is also a time of asking for
forgiveness for those we have wronged.
It is in sharing the bread and grape juice at Communion that we remember
again the Good News of Jesus.
Today,
reflect upon Communion. Is there
a celebration of Communion that sticks in your mind as being a glimpse of the
glory of heaven? What does Communion
mean to you?
Prayer: Holy
God, You gave us Your Son so that we
could live in Communion with You. We
give You thanks and praise that Your Son broke bread and said, “Do this in
Remembrance of Me”. Lord, cleanse us from all our sins. We give You our thanks that Your Son took a
cup of wine and said, “Drink this all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for all of us and
forgives us of our sins”. Lord, cleanse us from all our sins. Help us to always remember the gift of Your
Son in our remembrance of Him. Amen.
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