Holy Communion
Our Lord's Command to do this
in remembrance of me is probably the best kept of His
commandments. Apart from the fact that has been given to everyone from
Monarchs at Coronation to criminals before execution, it figures
somewhere in the worship of most Church denominations. And yet it
is also the cause of much division with theology ranging
from Transubstantiation, through Holy Mysteries to a simple
Remembrance. Even so, almost everyone attaches enormous importance to
who is allowed to say the words of the Consecration Narrative: Jesus,
on the
night in which He was betrayed took bread...... The
discussion
preceding the Ordination of Women in the Church of England revolved
around whether a women could say these words.
If you, dear surfer, hold strong
views on these matters then perhaps my Eucharist for One
is not for you, because in effect it allows you to become your own
priest. However I would share with you a recent insight which came to a
lady Third Order Franciscan in our group meeting. There are many ways
to learn about Jesus and even talk to Him, through the Bible, through
prayer and through worship. But the nearest
we can come to actually touching Him is through taking Bread and Wine
during a Communion Service. How near that is depends on your theology.
Whatever that theology it is still the nearest.
So proceed to Eucharist
for One after listening to this Hymn by James Montgomery
(1771-1854).
Be known to us in breaking bread,
but do not then depart;
Saviour, abide with us, and spread
Thy table in our heart.
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There sup with us in love divine;
Thy Body and thy Blood,
that living bread, that heavenly wine,
be our immortal food.
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