Matthew 26:17-30 - This Is My Body

In a couple of weeks our third graders will begin preparing to receive their first Communion on Maundy Thursday. At Zion, we remember the night in which he was betrayed and the night that he shared this Passover meal with his disciples, by the washing of our children's feet prior to them gathering at the Lord's Table to receive his body and blood for the first time. Not that they have not already been preparing; but, during Lent they will focus more intently on "What does this mean?" as a part of our pre-confirmation Sunday School curriculum.

I, as well as many of our members, get a little anxious that everyone may or may not understand that in receiving this "communion," we are receiving the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is not just a memorial. Communion is one of the means of grace, by which Christ comes to abide in us and we in Him. We are emptied of our sin, through the forgiveness received in this Sacrament, and then filled back up with the presence of Christ with the same Sacrament. (So, tell me again, why you're not rushing to the Lord's Table at every opportunity.)

This question is asked of everyone learning about this Sacrament: "How do we know that we are truly receiving the body and blood of Jesus?" The answer I usually receive is: "Because Jesus said it is."  Indeed he did.

   While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

   Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matt 26:26-28 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 22:1-14 - I Cannot Come

“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come." (Matt 22:2-3 NIV)

Oh, yes, a goodly number of us want to go this banquet after we are dead and buried; but, how about today? Are we willing to sit at that table today? Maybe, there's a more enticing table set someplace for you than at the Lord's Table? Not everyone that's been invited will be at the table eating and drinking; receiving the "foretaste of the feast to come." Some will decline for a "better" offer.

On the occasions that this parable shows is our Sunday reading, our choir usually sings "I Cannot Come To The Banquet." (I could not find the author's name - possibly The Medical Mission Sisters, 1966?) 

I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

A certain man held a feast on his fine estate in town.
He laid a festive table and wore a wedding gown.
He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide
But when the meal was ready, each of them replied:

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

The master rose up in anger, called his servants by name,
"Go into the town, fetch the blind and the lame,
Fetch the peasant and the pauper for this I have willed,
My banquet must be crowded, and my table must be filled."

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

When all the poor had assembled,
There was still room to spare,
So the master demanded: "Go search ev'rywhere,
To the highways and the byways
And force them to come in.
My table must be filled before the banquet can begin.

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

Yes, no? What will it be? Will you come to the banquet?

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Hope to see you at the Lord's Table.