A Communion of Love
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17 NRSVCE)
Growing up in the Pentecostal church I became familiar with the question, "Do you know Jesus?" Any fervent witness for Christ with a desire to make Christ known will begin a conversation with almost anyone with these questions, "Do you know Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Are you aware that Jesus loves you, and died on the cross for you and rose again on the third day for you so that you could be with him forever in his heaven? Do you want to go to heaven?"
It's a good question, "Do you know Jesus?"
A couple of guys leaving Jerusalem were making their way back home to Emmaus. Their minds racing with confusing thoughts, doubts, and wonder, Jesus caught up with them just on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Overhearing their conversation their unknown companion inquired, "What are you talking about?" Startled they stood still and with a retort Cleopas asked, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened here in the last few days."
Jesus asked, "What things?" Still keeping their eyes from recognizing him, Jesus said, "Let's keep walking. Tell me more." And how anxious they were to bring this 'visitor' up to date. They explained how Jesus, a mighty prophet in word and deed before God and all the people was cruelly maligned by their chief priests and rulers and was condemned to death by crucifixion. They told their stranger how their hopes had been dashed as they thought that Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel. And then breathlessly, Cleopas said, "Today, some women of our little group told us something amazing. This morning they discovered the tomb was empty. Furthermore, they startled all of us as they shared they had seen a vision of angels who told them that Jesus is alive!"
"Alive! Can you imagine?" they said to the stranger.
"You seem to be foolishly slow of heart to believe," the stranger chided gently. And for the rest of their walk to Emmaus, Jesus opened up the scriptures to explain how it was necessary for the Christ to first suffer and then enter into his glory. Nearing the entrance to the village of Emmaus, Jesus appeared that he was going further. But they pleaded, "Stay with us, there's hardly any daylight left."
So the stranger entered their home. In a moment supper was ready and he took his place with his hosts at their table. Reaching for the bread the stranger took the bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
What should you say to your evangelical friend who's concerned whether or not you really know Jesus? Share with her that you commune with him like Christians have done since the beginning of the Church; that you know Jesus in the bread that you eat and in the wine that you drink, true food and true drink - the body and blood of our Lord - for He said, "the one who eats me will live because of me." (John 6:57) Is there any greater Love?
So tell everyone you can what Love's unfathomable depths is and where they can find it too - a Communion of Love that makes us one with Christ and with one another! Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem, 350 AD wrote:
[Jesus Christ] by his own will once changed water into wine at Cana in Galilee. So why should we not believe that he can change wine into blood?. . . We should therefore have full assurance that we are sharing in the body and blood of Christ. For in the type of bread, his body is given to you, and in the type of wine, his blood is given to you, so that by partaking of the body and blood of Christ you may become of one body and one blood with him.
- From Catechetical Lectures given to those preparing for Baptism
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