At the heart of Christian faith lies a profound and sacred ritual – the act of communion. This simple, yet deeply meaningful, practice connects believers across time and space, inviting them into the very presence of Christ. But what exactly happens during communion? How should we approach this holy sacrament? Let’s explore the rich symbolism and spiritual significance behind this cornerstone of Christian worship.
The roots of communion trace back to Jesus’ last supper with his disciples before his crucifixion. As recorded in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
These words, likely the earliest written account of the Last Supper, reveal the dual nature of communion – it is both a remembrance and a present reality. When we participate in communion, we’re not simply recalling a historical event. We’re actively joining in that sacred meal, encountering the living Christ in a mysterious yet tangible way.
The context of the Last Supper is crucial to understanding its significance. Jesus and his disciples were celebrating Passover, the Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Every element of the Passover meal carried deep symbolism, helping participants not just remember but re-live that pivotal moment in their people’s history.
By instituting communion within this context, Jesus infused new meaning into these ancient symbols. The unleavened bread, originally representing the haste of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt, now symbolizes Christ’s body – pure and without sin. The cup of wine, traditionally the third cup of the Passover meal known as the cup of redemption, now represents the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood.
This transformation of meaning points to a profound truth – in Jesus, God was establishing a new covenant that would fulfill and supersede the old. No longer would regular animal sacrifices be needed; Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the cross would be sufficient for all time.
But how exactly is Christ present in communion? This question has been hotly debated throughout church history, with various traditions offering different explanations. Some believe the bread and wine literally become Christ’s body and blood, while others see it as purely symbolic.
The Wesleyan tradition, rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, takes a middle ground. It affirms the reality of Christ’s presence in communion without claiming to fully explain how it occurs. This approach embraces the Greek word used by early Christians for the Lord’s Supper – mysterion, from which we get our word “mystery.”
In other words, we don’t need to understand exactly how Christ is present in communion to experience his presence. We can humbly acknowledge our limited understanding while still opening ourselves to encounter the divine through this sacred act.
This idea of communion as a “means of grace” – a way we can actively open ourselves to God’s transforming power – was central to Wesley’s theology. Along with practices like worship, Scripture reading, prayer, and fasting, Wesley saw communion as a vital channel through which believers could experience God’s grace in their lives.
Approaching communion with this mindset can revolutionize how we experience it. Rather than a mere ritual or, worse, a “snack break” in the middle of a service, communion becomes a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and divine encounter.
As we take the bread, we remember Christ’s body broken for us – a vivid reminder of God’s self-giving love. As we drink from the cup, we affirm our participation in the new covenant, sealed by Christ’s blood. In both elements, we encounter the living Christ, present with us in ways we may not fully comprehend but can deeply experience.
Moreover, communion reminds us of our connection to the broader body of Christ. When we gather at the table, we join with believers across time and space in a shared act of worship and remembrance. This unity transcends our differences, reminding us that what binds us together in Christ is far stronger than what might divide us.
The power of communion in fostering unity is evident in the history of the Methodist movement. Access to the Lord’s Table was a driving force behind the formation of the Methodist Church as a separate denomination in America. During the Revolutionary War, many Anglican priests left the colonies, leaving Methodist believers without access to the sacraments. This led John Wesley to take the extraordinary step of ordaining leaders to serve the American Methodists, ultimately resulting in the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784.
This history underscores the central importance of communion in the life of faith. It’s not an optional extra or a mere tradition – it’s a vital means of experiencing God’s grace and fostering unity among believers.
As we approach communion, let’s do so with renewed intentionality and openness. Here are some reflections to consider:
1. Remember: Communion invites us to remember Christ’s sacrifice. As you take the bread and cup, reflect on what Christ has done for you personally.
2. Encounter: Approach communion expecting to encounter the living Christ. Be open to his presence and transforming power.
3. Unite: Remember your connection to the broader body of Christ. Let communion be a reminder of what unites us as believers.
4. Receive: Come to the table ready to receive God’s grace. Allow this sacred act to be a channel through which God can work in your life.
5. Respond: Let your participation in communion fuel your commitment to live out your faith in tangible ways.
In a world often marked by division and disconnection, the simple act of sharing bread and cup can be profoundly countercultural. It reminds us of our shared humanity, our common need for grace, and the unifying power of Christ’s love.
As we gather at the table, may we experience anew the mystery and power of this sacred act. May we leave renewed, strengthened in our faith, and better equipped to bear witness to the love and redemption we have in Christ. In doing so, we continue a tradition that stretches back to that upper room in Jerusalem, joining countless believers who have found nourishment, grace, and transformation in this holy meal.
