Pastor’s Pen: August 2024
I was in first grade when I received communion for the first time. Before I could participate in the meal, though, I was required to attend classes and receive instruction from my pastor about the meaning of holy communion.
It occurs to me that you, beloved friends of New Journey Lutheran Church, likely received first communion instruction when you were a child, too. Perhaps you first received communion on the day you were confirmed around the age of 12 or 13. Church practices around holy communion have changed greatly in the span of 60 years. Not to mention how practices vary from denomination to denomination. As we’ve been exploring holy communion these last weeks in worship, I’ve wondered: to what extent does first communion instruction matter?
On the one hand, waiting to receive communion until one has received proper instruction is a milestone in one’s faith journey. It’s exciting to receive communion for the first time, and celebrate with the whole community. It feels like the culmination of our baptism. On the other, we might wonder if requiring instruction bars people from experiencing God’s forgiveness, life and radical grace right now. Why would we place conditions on a gift God freely makes? After all, Jesus fed Judas on the night he was betrayed…
It’s a hot debate. One that theologians and ministers are still hashing out, and one that profoundly shapes communion practices from congregation to congregation. As the called minister of Word and Sacrament of New Journey Lutheran Church, before we celebrate communion, you will hear me proclaim these words: “This is Jesus’ table. He made no restrictions upon who can receive this meal, and neither do we.”
At New Journey, when we say: all are welcome, we mean all. All means all. Regardless of how much you remember from first communion class. Regardless of whether you received instruction or not. Regardless of how your week went. Regardless of whether you are struggling to love and pray for your enemies. Regardless of whether you are angry with God or dancing with joy on your way to the table, this meal is for you. When you eat the bread and drink the wine, God is saying: “You are forgiven. You are loved. You are free. I am with you.”
Image Credit: Dan Erlander
Friends in Christ, there is a place for you. God’s table is open for all to find their place. That’s the promise God makes to us in Jesus, and God is mighty good at keeping promises.
Until we gather again at the table to eat and celebrate, keep the faith, trusting that it is faith which keeps you.
With love,
Pastor Beth