“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NIV).
Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who gave their lives serving our country. In the church our memorial is communion. It is a time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. He gave His life willingly as the ultimate sacrifice. This is something we should remember with a solemn heart.
Our church has communion every Sunday. Some say that it is too often, but I don’t think so. For me it is a very important part of the worship and a very good reason to go to church every Sunday. When I take communion I reflect on what I saw in “The Passion” movie. I see Jesus being beaten with a whip until his back was in shreds. I see the people spitting on him. I hear the nails being pounded into his flesh on the cross. I hear the jeering of the crowd telling him to come off of the cross. Then I am humbled beyond what I can describe to you. He did all that for you and me. He suffered beyond what I could ever endure so that my sins could be forgiven. Then as I meditate on these things, I feel a love fill my soul for such a Savior who would choose to suffer for me. It is a time for me to forget about the cares of this world, and sit and reflect on my Savior’s love for everyone. It is so very meaningful.
But if you take communion in a flippant manner, then you will be guilty of sin. “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (1 Cor. 11:27-28 NIV). You see it is a time of self-reflection. For me it is a time to reflect on the past week and think about if I have behaved in a manner not worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. I repent if something comes to my mind that I need to confess. Then I pray that God will help me during the coming week to not do that particular sin again. We are all human and we make mistakes. Communion for me is a time to confess those sins and then to try to be more like Christ during the coming week.
So as you celebrate Memorial Day, also reflect on Jesus’ great sacrifice for you.
Dear Lord,
Help us when we take communion to take it in a serious manner knowing that the sacrifice of Jesus’ life for our sins was the ultimate sacrifice. Help us to reflect on our lives and how we can strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
