Bible Text:

I began my ministry under appointment some 40 years ago in a church near Irwin, Pennsylvania. Shortly after I arrived there, I noticed a strange, never before experienced phenomenon. On World Communion day, people stayed away from church. It was not a huge absence, but people were absent in noticeably measurable numbers. Even people who were regulars on every other Sunday were not there on World Communion Sunday. 

I started asking questions. Why don’t you come to church for World Communion day? The answers startled me. “Because I feel so unworthy.” Obviously I had some preaching themes cut out for me at that church! 

When I came to Christ Church 24 years ago (on World Communion day) I discovered that Communion was an every week occurrence. It was available at least twice a week. And some people came to both communion services. This, too, was a never before experienced phenomenon. 

Again I asked questions. Why do we have Communion twice a week here? I learned that it had been a significant part of the Christ Church culture for many decades—since the earliest days of this ministry. Now we have 4 Communion services here every week. 

I have grown here to believe that Communion is an important part of the Christian journey. It’s a part of my own personal faith growth in this place. I now want to make it available to you as often as possible. I want to make it easily accessible. Why? Why should you receive Communion regularly? Why should I? It’s a question you may have asked. Let me try out an answer today. 

JESUS INVITES YOU 

First, because Jesus invites you. That’s a simple, straightforward answer. We are told that Jesus said, “Do this, as often as you will, in remembrance of me.” 

I want to take my cues in this life from Jesus. I want to take as many as I can. I want to do this as much as possible. I appreciate Paul and other New Testament writers. I value the Old Testament. But Jesus of Nazareth sets my life course. His words—his way—his priorities—his lifestyle are primary. And in this context Jesus says, “Do this, as often as you will, in remembrance of me.” 

WESLEY ENCOURAGED REGULAR COMMUNION 

Secondly, John Wesley encouraged regular Communion. I am a United Methodist. My heart is in this denomination. I do not disparage others, but this is where my heart is. John Wesley was a strong advocate of the Lord’s Supper. 

Charles Wesley wrote some beautiful Communion hymns. In addition, our hymnal has a whole section of Communion hymns numbering about 30 different pieces. Some of them are from the international community. 

Wesley advocated strongly for Communion at least weekly. And he practiced what he preached. He did not always receive Communion in a church building. Sometimes it was in an Anglican or other denominational service. But somehow, some way, somewhere, he said you and I should receive Communion at least once each week. 

IN TOUCH WITH MYSTERY 

Thirdly, you receive Communion because it puts you in touch with mystery. This is more than just remembering Jesus, as important as that is. It is more than a United Methodist practice, even though we value our tradition. Communion puts you and me in touch with mystery. 

Albert Einstein wrote these words exactly 50 years ago:

The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious… Whoever does not know [mystery] can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and [that person’s] eyes are dimmed.[i] 

I believe that Communion keeps me in touch with mystery. 

Sometimes we trivialize or downplay the meaning of Communion in the Roman Catholic Church. In their observance of the sacrament, they believe that transubstantiation takes place—and the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. Sometimes the priest rings a bell to mark the moment when that transformation takes place. For some of us, that’s too much. That’s too “high church.” But it does keep the people in touch with mystery. 

In the United Methodist Church Communion is more than just an act of remembering. There is mystery here. We don’t talk about mystery much today. This is the age of reason, the age of the rational, the age of enlightenment. But mystery is still a part of the Christian walk. 

Oswald Chambers writes this about mystery.

We are inclined to forget the deeply spiritual and supernatural touch of God… The call of God… is much more supernatural. The realization of the call in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But… it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural—something that is inexpressible and produces a “glow.”[ii] 

God means for Communion to have an element of mystery. God means for something inexpressible to happen. God means for us to walk from this table with a certain glow. 

Leonard Sweet writes,

Once ushered into the bridegroom’s presence and party, you will never want to leave. One taste of God, even for a moment, and you will want it to last forever. 

Mystery is inherent in the experience and in the taste of Communion. 

SHAPES YOU AS A BELIEVER 

Fourthly, Communion shapes you as a believer. It gives your life a special shape. Paul says in Romans 12, “Do not let the world squeeze you into its own mold.” We are too easily squeezed. Communion helps that from happening. 

A good example of being reshaped has to do with the forgiving lifestyle. The invitation for Communion asks you if you are in love and charity with your neighbor. Communion reminds you and me of the call to be forgiving. 

A Native American boy was talking to his grandfather. “Grandfather, what do you think about the world?” The grandfather replied, “I feel like two wolves fighting in my heart. One is full of anger and hatred, the other full of love, forgiveness, and peace.” 

“Which one will win?” asked the grandchild. 

Replied the grandfather, “The one that I feed.” 

You and I must feed the forgiving spirit. Ask yourself this question today: with whom do you need to make peace? From whom do you need to ask forgiveness? To whom do you need to be reconciled? From whom are you estranged? With whom are you at odds? 

Let Communion re-shape your life. It is difficult to receive God’s deepest blessings when you have some unfulfilled business out there. 

Let Communion today re-shape. Don’t let the world squeeze you into its own mold. 

So…why come to this table today? Why receive Communion?

·         Because Jesus invites you

·         Because John Wesley strongly advocates your coming

·         Because this act puts you in touch with mystery

·         Because Communion can re-shape your life in Christ  

Come to the table, prepared and ready. It is a good thing we do here. It is an important thing. Thanks be to God.