Holy Communion
Holy Eucharist, aka Holy Communion, aka The Lord’s Supper for many of us deeply moving and beautiful. At times it can be the most healing and comforting part of the entire worship service. All faithful Christians believe that Jesus instructs those who believe in him to join him at this table. Why then do Christians have such strong disagreements over a multitude of aspects surrounding the beautiful act of worship given to us by our Lord Jesus? Trying to dig deeply into the answer to this question has left many people essentially paraphrasing the writer of Ecclesiastes (12:12), “Of making many books [on the Holy Eucharist] there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
One reason why so many books have been written on the Eucharist, and why so many heated debates have taken place concerning it, is because we all rightly place an extremely high value on this beautiful act of worship graciously given to us by our Lord. I will not attempt to explain the various disputes around The Lord’s Supper in this article, though they are worth spending time on in study, reflection, and prayer. Rather, I will focus on what we affirm as Christians who are members of the Anglican Church in North America. What we affirm is articulated carefully and briefly for us in the following sections of the ACNA catechism, To Be A Christian. The non-italicized comments are my own reflections and not part of the catechism.
131. Why did Christ institute the sacrament of Holy Communion?
He instituted it for the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of his atoning death, and to convey the benefits of that sacrifice to us. (Exodus 24:1–10; Psalm 23:5–6; Luke 22:17–20; John 6:25–51; 1 Corinthians10:16–17)
All faithful Christians believe that Jesus truly atoned for us by his death on the cross. Drinking the wine/blood and eating the bread/body reminds of his loving sacrifice to save us from sin and death. If we truly pause and reflect on this reality, participating in it weakly should never become humdrum. Rather, it should always comfort our hearts to remember how deeply our God loves us.
132. What is the outward and visible sign in Holy Communion?
T
he visible sign is bread and wine, which Christ commands us to receive. (1 Corinthians11:23–26)
The visible sign is given to us visible creatures. These are easier for us to understand and grasp than invisible realities. They aid us in remembering the inward gift of Jesus that we can’t currently see physically.
133. What is the inward gift signified?
The inward gift signified is the Body and Blood of Christ, which are truly taken and received in the Lord’s Supper by faith. (Deuteronomy 8:1–20; Psalm 78:17–29; John 6:52–56; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, 16–18)
The majority of Christians throughout history, and today, believe that in some mysterious and beautiful way, Jesus’ Body and Blood are truly taken and received in the Lord’s Supper by faith. When we receive his body (bread) and blood (wine), we are reminded of his consoling promise to us, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matt 28:20 KJV).”
134. What benefits do you receive through partaking of this sacrament?
As my body is nourished by the bread and wine, my soul is strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ. I receive God’s forgiveness, and I am renewed in the love and unity of the Body of Christ, the Church. (1662 Catechism; Psalms 28:6–9; 104:14–15; Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 6:52–56; 17:22–24; Revelation 19:6–9)
Just as physical bread and wine nourish and strengthen our bodies, this spiritual bread and wine nourish and strengthen our souls. Yet, while physical food does these things totally apart from what we believe about the food, this spiritual food cannot rightly be received or effective apart from some essential requirements, most especially grace and faith. These are articulated for us in the next catechetical question and answer.
135. What is required of you when you come to receive Holy Communion?
I am to examine myself: Do I truly repent of my sins and intend to lead a new life in Christ? Do I have a living faith in God’s mercy through Christ and remember his atoning death with a thankful heart? And have I shown love and forgiveness to all people? (Leviticus 10:1–5; Psalm 50; 1 Corinthians 11:27–32)
In addition to these holy and weighty requirements, we also understand that no one can rightly ever meet or even desire these requirements apart from a true belief that Jesus is our Lord and our God, whose perfect righteousness we receive through faith and baptism in the name of the God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
136. What is expected of you after partaking in Holy Communion?
I should continue to grow in holiness, avoiding sin, showing love and forgiveness to all, and serving others in gratitude. (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14–32; 1 Peter 4:1–11)
This growth in holiness is not based on our own spiritual strength, but on Jesus’ promise to always be with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are to seek this growth, but we ultimately put our trust, not in our own strength and righteousness, but in the perfect righteousness of Christ who has atoned for all our sins. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6).”
366. How does the Lord’s Supper assist in your sanctification?
In the Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist, I hear the Law read, receive God’s good news of forgiveness, recall my baptismal promises, have my faith renewed, and receive the grace of the Body and Blood of Christ to continue following him in love and obedience.
(John 6:53–58; 1 Corinthians 10:15–16)
This final catechetical question and answer assume that a person has attended the entire worship service. It is deeply important to hear the Law read, receive God’s good news of forgiveness, recall baptismal promises, and have faith renewed before receiving the grace of the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Let us thank our God for providing such a beautiful way to worship him and be reminded regularly of his abundant and great mercies!
Fr. John Laffoon