You learn something new every day they tell me … And I have learnt that 28th March, in the food world, marks both Black Forest Cake Day and Something on a Stick Day! Who’d have thought that such days exist?? Both of these days are an opportunity, for those who celebrate them, to think about a food they enjoy eating and the people who produce it. It is always good to give thanks for the wide variety of food that is available to us and celebrate all that God has given to us – not just on a specific day of the year, but all year round.
Today, of course, is a day when we do remember food and drink – although not Black Forest Cake or things on sticks. Today, on Maundy Thursday, we think about the Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples and which we now commemorate in our sharing of the Lord’s Supper. The bread that was broken and the wine that was poured, the symbolism behind Jesus’ words as he shared the elements and told the Disciples to “do this in remembrance of me”. Each time we gather together to go as Jesus commanded, we remember once more that “for every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Communion, as it’s sometimes known, can mean different things to different people and many church traditions have varying beliefs over the purpose of it, what happens during the act and differing restrictions on how it is given out and who can receive it. But away from our differences, in habit and understanding, from the highest Mass to the simplest agape meal, all who celebrate the eating of the bread and the drinking of the wine, are doing so to remember.
Many churches will be joining together today to commemorate the sacrifice that Jesus was about to make and those last hours he had on earth. Many will perhaps be sharing a meal, hearing the readings that are part of this time of year, singing and praying together and sharing this act of remembrance, offering their worship and joining in times of praise and quiet.
So, as we join in fellowship together, as we eat the bread and drink the wine, may we once more be aware of that awesome sacrifice made on our behalf. As we journey on through the next few days, experiencing the lows and the highs, may we never lose sight of Jesus’ command “Do this in remembrance of me” and may we remember Jesus not just around the communion table, but in all we do to love and serve him throughout our lives.
Catherine Booton
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