Journey into Joy in the Communion – Part 4 Mission and the Lord’s Supper

I’ve reached the stage where observing the meal is about the crux of what makes me a believer.  I believe, because God first loved me and expressed that love in the crucifixion of His Son.

I believe, because that love was poured in my heart by God’s Spirit – the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead.  In taking the Body and the Blood I express my union with Jesus Christ.  I say that I am in Him, and He is in me.  I proclaim affinity and unity with Him, and express that oneness until His return.

Not only that though, in sharing in Him and being united with Him, I also express unity and oneness with His Body – the Church.  The supper is not an individual thing – or I could just take it on my own.  Just as Jesus didn’t die for an individual, but for a people, so my expression of unity is a bond to the Family of God united in the purpose of carrying on the Mission that sent Christ into the world.

The mission, namely of spreading the good news of the Kingdom and at the heart of it the King of the Kingdom.  Declaring and demonstrating how that Kingdom ushers in righteousness, peace and joy.  Declaring and demonstrating how it spreads to people of every walk of life.

Declaring and demonstrating how that kingdom recognises its subjects all as the same class of subjects – the royal priesthood.  All with a worthy part to play in the Kingdom, all of value and worth in the sight of the Creator.

Declaring and demonstrating how this spreads and brings about healing for the sick, feeding for the hungry, clothing for the naked, comfort and companionship for the bereaved and lonely.

Declaring and demonstrating how it gives a family to the orphan, a voice to the voiceless and support to the vulnerable and disengaged.

There’s more to it than the missional element, though, as I’ll share in the next part of the journey.