Luke 22:19
“Then He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
In the years since my mother’s passing, holidays always evoke memories of the wonderful meals she lovingly prepared for the family. Twenty-six years have passed and, in her memory, I always pull out the recipe for her famous Lemon Tarts to bake for our family’s Easter celebration. By baking or cooking a delicious creation from one of her recipes, my tie to her is maintained, the memories for our daughters are rekindled, and an opportunity arises to share memories of her with our grandchildren. With the restrictions placed on us by the coronavirus, our Easter will be vastly different and, let’s face it, it will be quite lonely without family. That won’t stop me from making those Lemon Tarts but I’ll just have to offer delivery!
When Jesus gathered the disciples in the Upper Room to celebrate His final Passover meal, He had much to impart to them—acts and words that would be seared into their memory—washing their feet, revealing that there was a betrayer in their midst, breaking bread, sipping wine, and imparting one last command, “to love one another as I have loved you.” Recalling His teachings and healings was critical to Christ’s disciples, but Jesus chose something else—a ritual—for them to remember Him, that symbolized His coming crucifixion:
“This is My body, broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
“This is My blood, poured out for you; do this in remembrance of Me.“
Whenever we have an opportunity to take Communion, it offers us a profound ritual of remembrance of all Christ has done for us in His life, death and resurrection. When observing Communion we must first take time to examine ourselves by confessing and repenting of sins, thus drawing us into a closer relationship with Jesus. During this Passion Week, may we be reminded once again of the invitation Jesus offers to commune with Him in remembrance of His body broken and His blood poured out for us.
Lord God, may we always be reminded of the sacrifice Your Son made for us by giving of His body and shedding of His blood. As we next take Communion, bring to our remembrance His anguish and incomparable sacrifice on the Cross that provided a way for us to live with You forever. We remember, Lord Jesus, and we praise You. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.
~ painting by Lou Ann Bagnall
