We need guidance for our paths
November 12th, 2023 – Communion Meditation
Last Sunday afternoon some in our family celebrated Aditi’s birthday together by enjoying a picnic and a hike up at Lake Lanier on a surprisingly warm and sunny November day! None of us had walked that particular trail before, but both AllTrails and Pam gave us an enthusiastic thumbs up! The trail was rated “moderate” which meant there were some twists and turns and ups and downs, including a few times where we needed to climb over or squeeze under a fallen tree. Because the path was unclear sometimes and some of the trail blazes were all but faded from view, I had to consult the trail map fairly often to be sure we stayed on track. We needed guidance for our path.
You know, our Christian journey has often compared to a hike through unknown heights and depths. Allegories like “Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Hinds Feet in High Places” have helped countless readers through the trials and temptations of life, bringing hope and encouraging us to persevere as we seek God’s highest and best and strive to live by faith in a place of rest, love, peace, joy, and victory. As with our afternoon hike last week, we all need guidance for our paths, to help us to walk with God in the world. We are guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures, the Saints, and the Church. As we participate in communion today, I encourage us to become more aware that as we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are partaking of the life of Christ. In the mystery of this sacrament, Jesus invites us to receive whatever good gifts he wants to give us (whether salvation, healing, deliverance, faith, hope, love), so that we are filled and ready to be sent back out on mission as his ambassadors.
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Eat together) Again, Jesus took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Drink together)
