Advent Journey - Day 13

Reflection

Amongst all the other nourishment we have for our Advent Journey, for those in our part of the Christian Tradition, the Eucharist is the ultimate meal to sustain us in our travelling. The Eucharist, also called 'Holy Communion' or 'the Lord's Supper' in the Anglican tradition, is the foundation of our worship. We don't share bread and wine every time we pray, or in every service we hold, but at heart the Anglican Church is a 'Eucharistic Community.' 

The word Eucharist means 'Thanksgiving' - which reminds us that we called to be grateful, thankful, people. Grateful for all God has given us and grateful for the gift of life in Christ. 

The Eucharist reminds us of Christ's self-giving love, remembered in the supper Jesus shared with friends, called 'The Last Supper' which ended with the blessing of bread and wine which Jesus followers were to do from that time on 'in remembrance' of Jesus. Jesus was then arrested, killed, and raised to new life. 

The Eucharist is a calling to community, not to individualism - the name 'Holy Communion' points us to union with the Divine, and union with one another in the church, as symbolized in our sharing of bread and wine together. 

These three parts of our Eucharist, are ways in which we are given nourishment for our ongoing journey. 

Scripture

Luke 22:19-20

“And He (Jesus) took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Receive - Audrey Assad