In need of some restoration
March 1st, 2026 – Communion Meditation
My mom loved nature. After she died, many years ago now, we planted several flowering cherry trees in her honor. The one in our front yard surprises me all year long with delicate beauty, precious reminders of my mom’s beautiful life and God’s generous love. Lately, though, our flowering cherry has started to look a bit scraggly. It could do with some restoration.
Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.”
Jesus’ ministry centered on proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom of God, so we could not only know about it but experience it. In contrast to all earthly kingdoms, this upside-down kingdom of God is built on righteousness and justice, which together create an atmosphere of shalom. Theologian Cornelius Plantinga tells us that “In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight … the way things ought to be.”
The Christian sacrament of Communion is known as a time of proclamation, remembrance, self-examination, nourishment, community, and unity. Today I want to invite us to do some self-examination around those three aspects of shalom. Like our flowering cherry, I am in need of some restoration, and there is no doubt the world around us needs it, too. Will you join me in asking God to do just that in our lives?
Lord God, we come to this time of communion today holding our hearts, minds, and lives before you. Would you please show us today what we need to let go of, receive, change, begin, end, turn away from, accept? Please help us to center our ultimate meaning and purpose in you, our Creator, our Savior, our Lord. Help us to carry the image of God well and to reflect your love, justice, and mercy in how we treat others, in our thoughts, words, and deeds. May our lives offer others a glimpse of shalom, the way things ought to be. May our love for you, God, be evident by the way that we love others, the poor, even enemies. May we follow you, Jesus, in every area of our lives. May we cultivate the virtues – wisdom, fairness, moderation, and courage. May we pursue the good – knowledge, understanding, education, wonder, beauty, glory, creativity, and worship. Help us to care for ourselves, others, and creation. Please give us the grace to be faithful in managing all that you’ve entrusted to us, including our resources, talents, time, expertise, and energy. We long for shalom – wholeness, flourishing, and delight. Holy Spirit, would you come and restore and revive us today? In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.
At the Last Supper, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to those with him and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Let us eat together.
Jesus then took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.” Let us drink together.
