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“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51
Have you ever had a bad communion experience? That may sound strange, but I often hear stories about how someone was denied communion, especially when visiting a church of a different denomination where their practice is more closed or limited to their own members. This can be hurtful and even confusing, why was I rejected? Isn’t the sacrament supposed to be a gift from God where we come to receive the forgiveness of sins?
Yes, it is. But there are some good reasons churches limit it. They may say that they want to make sure your beliefs align with theirs. Some require fasting an hour prior, or there may be an age requirement, expected instruction, or even an excommunication may be involved. Years ago, many churches required to you “announce” to the pastor that you desired communion, typically coming the day before, which could also include a time of confession, preparation.
There are various interpretations and doctrines around what Holy Communion is (also called the Lord’s Supper, and Eucharist, Sacrament of the Altar). In Lutheran circles, we speak of the “Real Presence” of Christ, that the body and blood of Christ are truly and substantially present in, with and under the forms of the consecrated bread and wine. Some churches see it as merely symbolic (Baptist, Evangelical), while others, like the Roman Catholic Church, go further into what is called “transubstantiation” where the substance is fully changed into the body and blood of Jesus. Those varying beliefs have led to many disagreements, even to this day.
Scripture also admonishes us on how we are to receive it properly. One scripture that is often quoted is 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, where St. Paul writes:
“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”
St. Paul was writing against abuses of within the church. He was concerned about divisions where some were excluded from religious feasts including communion because of wealth. He saw a lack of accountability, and even drunkenness at communion! In the end, he warned them that their practices were in direct contradiction to what the sacred institution was meant for: the forgiveness of sins. What they were doing only served to increase their guilt, not forgive it!
In the end, we should show great reverence and respect for the sacrament of Holy Communion – it is a gift from God that does bring forgiveness of sins. It is mysterious, we don’t fully understand or comprehend how, but we know why: God love’s us, and gives us the promises of life, life eternal! So, come! Prepare your heart and mind. Receive it. Be forgiven!
In Christ; Pastor Dan
