These words we hear so often in our sanctuary as we share in communion with one another. These words, weighty. As we recall the final meal Jesus shared with those closest to him on the night he was betrayed, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made for us.
As Rachel Held Evans writes in Searching for Sunday, “Remember how God became one of us? Remember how God ate with us and drank with us, laughed with us and cried with us? Remember how God suffered for us, and died for us, and gave his life for the life of the world? Remember? Remember?”
Part of what we are called to remember when participating in the Lord’s Supper is the depth of Christ’s love. From his very first sermon, Jesus’ ministry focused on the outsiders. His life and teachings exemplified the kind of love that seeks the welfare of others above all else. Seeking the outcasts and giving welcome to the stranger. Whoever the world does not want finds shelter in the kingdom of heaven. Today is Maundy Thursday, and we will share in communion together. Here at AFBC we believe it is God’s table and not ours, meaning all are welcome and invited to participate in holy communion. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?
Do this in remembrance of me. These words ask us to remember the radical love of Jesus Christ for all people. The acceptance Christ showed when he invited us all to sit at his table.
These words are also a reminder that there is still work to be done, and we are the ones who have been commanded to do it.
Grace and Peace,
Sarah Laurence