First Communion
Stop.
Try to remember your first communion. Where were you? What did the bread and wine taste like? How did you feel?
Listen.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Reflect.
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day Christians remember the events of the night of Christ’s betrayal. On that evening, Jesus gathered with his disciples for a ritual meal. However, he changed the way the meal was served. This time, as he shared the bread and wine, he told them that he would be present with them whenever they at the bread or drank the wine. This act is the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
On that same night, he went around the table and washed his disciples’ feet. This was an act of humility so deep that his disciples almost couldn’t stand it. Still, Jesus told them that this is what true leadership is, and that they would need to be servants in the same way.
Service. Sacrifice. Humility. Presence. Simplicity. These are all hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry highlighted on Maundy Thursday. It is appropriate that we often welcome young people into their first communion on this day. Not only is it the day we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ presence in communion, but it gives us a chance to teach them about who Jesus is and how he served. We show them that Christ comes to us in these simple things: bread and wine, kindness and service, water and daily life.
May the story of this day, from a simple meal to a scathing betrayal, move you to remember who Jesus is and how he remains present with you.
Pray.
Jesus, I thank you for the blessing of communion and your promised presence through that gift. Keep me centered in your call to love and serve. Strengthen me with what I need for today. Make me faithful to your service. Amen.
Carry On.
The next time you take communion – at home, at church, or anywhere – don’t let it pass you by. Focus on it. Think about it. Remember that this is the real presence of Jesus given for you, and rejoice!