The Sacred Meal – Four Views of Communion
When was the last time you truly reflected on the transformative power of communion? It may have started as a routine for many. Still, as we grow in our faith and face life’s challenges, communion can metamorphose into something deeply profound and inspiring, filling us with hope and anticipation.
Communion is more than just a ritual – it’s a sacred moment that invites us into spiritual reflection, touching the past, present, and future. It’s not just about remembering what Christ did, but also recognising what He’s doing now and anticipating what He will do. This sacred meal allows us to remember, examine ourselves, connect with others, and look forward with hope.
Let’s explore the four views of communion that can enrich our understanding and experience of this sacred practice:
1. Looking Back: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
When we take communion, we’re called to remember. But what exactly are we remembering? It’s not just about the cup or the bread – it’s about everything Christ gave up to reach that point of suffering. He left the glory of heaven, became human, faced temptations, and ultimately sacrificed Himself for us.
At Golgotha, Christ’s body was broken, and His blood was shed. Communion takes us back to when love was crucified for our sins. It helps us gain perspective on the immense sacrifice made for us.
2. Looking Within: Self-Examination and Worth
As we remember Christ’s sacrifice, we’re also invited to look within ourselves. This introspection can be challenging, as we confront our unworthiness. However, the beauty of communion is that it reminds us that while we may not be worthy because of our sins, we are valued beyond measure because of Christ’s love.
There’s a powerful thought from Ellen White that if only one person had accepted the gospel, Christ would have still come and suffered just for that one individual. This demonstrates the immeasurable value God places on each of us.
3. Looking Out: Unity and Service
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient, allowing for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
Communion isn’t just about our relationship with God and our connection with fellow believers. The broken body of Christ on the cross is also a symbol of the church. We’re called to ‘crucify ourselves daily,’ which means we are called to die to our selfish desires and allow Christ’s humble, gentle spirit to transform us. This is a continuous process, not a one-time event, and communion serves as a reminder of this ongoing transformation.
Before instituting communion, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—even Judas’. This act of service and unity exemplifies the heart of a servant and the attitude of humility we’re called to emulate. It’s a powerful reminder that communion is not just about our relationship with God, but also our relationship with our fellow believers. As we partake in communion, we remember the unity of the body of Christ and our call to serve one another.
4. Looking Forward: Hope and Anticipation
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Communion isn’t just about looking back or examining the present – it’s also about looking forward with hope. It’s a foretaste, a preview of the heavenly banquet to come. Each time we take the bread and cup, we’re rehearsing for that eternal feast at God’s table.
This forward-looking aspect of communion reminds us that our hope isn’t just for a better life now but a perfect eternity with Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus will return to resolve the problem of evil and bring His people home.
Reflecting on these four views of communion can transform our experience from a mere ritual to a significant spiritual practice. It invites us to:
1. Remember Christ’s sacrifice with gratitude
2. Examine ourselves honestly, yet see our worth through God’s eyes
3. Commit to unity and service within the body of Christ
4. Look forward with hope to Christ’s return and eternal fellowship
As we approach communion, let’s challenge ourselves to engage with all four perspectives. Let’s allow this sacred meal to not only remind us of Christ’s past sacrifice but also shape our present actions and future hope.
The story is told of a terminally ill believer who told his pastor, “I may not be here for next year’s communion, but I’ll be at the table in heaven.” This unshaken hope in Christ’s return and the ultimate reunion is the essence of what communion points us toward.
It’s easy to lose sight of these profound truths in our busy lives. We might get caught up in our challenges, disappointments, or the chaos of the world around us. But communion calls us to lift our eyes, to remember the bigger picture, and to renew our hope and commitment to Christ and His body, the church.
Whether you’re taking communion in a grand cathedral or a humble home gathering, remember that you’re participating in a sacred tradition that spans centuries and connects believers across the globe. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the heart of God.
As we wash one another’s feet, break bread, and share the cup, let’s do so with renewed understanding and appreciation. Let’s allow this sacred meal to transform us – looking back with gratitude, within with honesty, out with love, and forward with hope.
May each communion experience be a powerful reminder of God’s love, a catalyst for personal growth, a strengthener of community bonds, and a beacon of hope for the glorious future in Christ.
