Apr 4 - "First Communion"

One of my favorites…originally posted Mar 24, 2009.

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"Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated..." --- John 6:1-15

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Regardless of the gathering style, rituals or sacraments which are a part of the many faiths in the world today, almost all of them include a tradition of sharing a meal together. The Passover Seder, the feast after Ramadan, the simple supper on Shrove Tuesday, even the Friday night fish fry...all of these involve sitting down together and breaking bread.

In this section from John's Gospel, we can find a concept of infinite importance which says so much in so few words. That's one of the things I love about Scripture; the simplest concept can be communicated in mind-bending, excruciatingly long paths, or as we find today, in 19 words, communicate an amazing and wonderful concept. In the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Jesus points us towards not only the eventual Last Supper, which we will celebrate in just over two weeks, but to the importance of sharing our burdens with God and with each other.

What is the purpose of the sacrament of Communion? Certainly, it is our symbolic remembrance of Christ breaking bread with his friends before He was taken in by the authorities of the time and eventually to His death. In the beliefs of the Catholic tradition, the bread and wine move from mere symbols to the actual Body and Blood of Christ. But, whatever the belief...symbol or substance...remember that God does not require this of us. The Sacraments, all important, are once again not for the benefit of God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit...They have no use for Communion or any of the Sacraments...they are not required for our salvation or a ticket to Heaven. They are for us.

Communion, therefore, must be something more than just a remembrance or a symbol, right? Of course, it is. We see Jesus taking the bread, blessing it by giving thanks to God, breaking it and sharing it among those who were with him. Communion is the opportunity for each of us to bring our burdens to the table; to offer them up, have them blessed, broken and shared. A burden is lighter when carried by many hands and many hearts.

It is simple...yet amazing and infinitely beautiful! When we come to the table during Communion, we have the opportunity to bring our prayers for ourselves, prayers for those we know and prayers for those we do not know...have them blessed, broken and shared among those who celebrate the Sacrament with us.

Why? Because we don't have to carry our burdens alone.

We have around us every day, every moment, friends who will pray for us. People who will take on our fears and hopes and desires and share in them, praying for their fulfillment or resolution.

So, be in communion with each other. Ask someone to pray for you or for someone you know is in pain or trouble. Offer up your burden and allow it to be blessed, broken and shared.