Eucharist

At every Eucharist we memorialize the gift that Jesus made of his death. The Eucharist is a far-reaching mystery with multiple depths and levels of meaning.  We don’t ever fully grasp it. But we’re in good company: When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper the apostles also didn’t really understand what he was doing, as is witnessed by Peter’s protests when Jesus tries to wash their feet. Peter’s protests show clearly that he did not comprehend what Jesus meant in this Eucharistic gesture. And so, Jesus’ words to Peter and the apostles are “Later, you will understand.”

When I had my first communion, I had a childlike understanding of communion and the Table. Numerous degrees and theologies many years later, I know now that what I understood about the Eucharist as a child was correct; but I also know that years of receiving Christ’s real presence and Christ’s sacrifice for us has taught me that we find ourselves immersed in an ineffable mystery.  Let’s come to the Table this Sunday, seeking to understand more fully the fullness of this gift of Jesus. 
 
Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation