As I traveled across South East England on a pilgrimage, I took communion every day, and some days I took it twice a day, read below for my blog post about communion.
Please note this is written from the ELCA Lutheran perspective on communion
I found great comfort in taking Communion regularly, it made the pilgrimage even more impactful for me and my spiritual journey.
What is Holy Communion?
Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which Christ comes to us in bread and wine. “This is my body given for you… This is my blood shed for you.” We believe those words to be true. Christ is truly present in Holy Communion. When we receive the bread and wine of this meal, we receive his body and blood.
What happens in Holy Communion?
Christ comes to us in, with and under the bread and wine to nourish the faith of Christians and the church. We share in a sacred meal that spans all time and space. We commune with the saints who have gone before us and with other Christians around the globe who gather at our Lord’s table. The uncontainable presence, grace, love, forgiveness and mercy of Christ come to us in simple bread and wine.
Who receives Holy Communion?
All of God’s people are welcome to our Lord’s table — it’s our Lord’s table, after all, and all are invited. Let’s be clear — it is not “my” table, or “our” table or a “Lutheran” table. It is our Lord’s table, and he sends out the invitations — to everyone under the sun.
The norm is for baptized Christians to receive the sacrament, as this is a Christian sacrament that nourishes and strengthens faith in Christ. And it is the norm for Christians to receive instruction prior to first receiving the sacrament and to continue to reflect on and learn about the sacrament throughout their Christian life. Surely a few classes during childhood isn’t enough to comprehend the mystery and blessings of Holy Communion, is it? These norms are not iron-clad laws, but they are norms, patterns for how this sacred meal is generally practiced.
How should we receive Communion?
We are to receive these gifts of bread and wine, of Christ’s body and blood, in faith, trusting that in this meal our Lord comes to us, forgives us our sins, renews us in faith and leads us into new life.
The manner of receiving varies in different churches and even within churches, and there is no “right” way to receive. People can approach reverently — not somberly, but reverently and expectantly — holding out their hand to receive the body of Christ. Then they may take that bread between two fingers and dip it into the cup, dabbing the bread so as to avoid dripping wine on oneself or on the floor, before consuming the bread and wine together (intinction).
Upon hearing the words, “Body of Christ, given for you,” and “Blood of Christ, shed for you,” it is appropriate to respond “Amen” or “Thanks be to God.” It is also perfectly appropriate to smile a joyful smile, as this bread and wine are amazing gifts. Some Christians make the sign of the cross before and/or after receiving the bread and wine, as a sign of blessing and remembrance of their baptism. Others may also genuflect or bow before the bread and wine, a gesture that honors the body and blood of Christ and also humbles the one about to receive this great gift of Christ’s holy presence.
6 Things to know about Communion
1: It is about remembrance: The Lord’s Supper is primarily (but not exclusively) designed to elicit or to stimulate in our hearts remembrance of the person and work of Jesus: “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:25).
2: It is a commandment: This remembrance is commanded. Participation at the Lord’s Table is commanded by Christ
3: It is tangible: This remembrance entails the use of tangible elements: bread and wine. It isn’t enough simply to say, “Remember!” The elements of bread and wine are given to stir our minds and hearts. The physical action of eating and drinking is designed to remind us that we spiritually “ingest” and depend upon Jesus and the saving benefits of his life, death, and resurrection. Just as food and drink are essential to sustain physical existence, so also the blessings and benefits that come to us through the body and blood of Christ are paramount to our spiritual flourishing.
4: It is personal: It is a personal remembrance. We are to remember Jesus. The focus isn’t on Abraham or Moses or Isaiah. The focus is no longer on the Jewish Passover or the night of his betrayal or anything else. The focus is Jesus. “Do this in remembrance of ME” (1 Cor. 11:25).
5: It is confession: In this remembering there is also confession. In partaking of the elements we declare: “Christ gave his body and blood for me. He died for me.”
6: It is a proclamation: In this remembering we also proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes. This, then, is not merely an ordinance that looks to the past. It is an ordinance of hope that points to the future.