Round about 10. 30 am a lady or gent from the Beatson Charity will come round with tea, coffee and biscuits. They are always welcome in their bright, yellow t-shirts and eagerness to serve. Those I have got to know have had relatives who were treated at the Beatson, and this voluntary work is a gesture of thanks. Having had my daily rocket fuel, ie. espresso, I usually have tea and can be persuaded to have a biscuit. Not that I needed much persuasion last Monday because there on top of the biscuit tray was a Waggon Wheel! That kick-started a memory. My first day at school. My play piece was a Waggon Wheel. The lady smiled indulgently when I imparted this vital information. I suppose she is used to old guys and their memories.
It made me think of the power of physical objects to take you to another place, another time, a life-changing event. Jesus understood that when on his final night on earth and surrounded by his friends He took a piece of bread and when He had given thanks said: ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in memory of me.’.’ And later He took a cup of wine and said: ‘This cup is God’s new covenant sealed in my blood. Whenever you drink it do so in memory of me.’
The significance of the bread and wine was changed. No longer the food and drink of every day, so familiar to the disciples. In future, the breaking of bread and the sharing of wine would be an opening up to Jesus, all that He was, all that He gave for them, all that He promised them in this life and the next. They would never have understood the Lord’s Supper as ‘just a memorial’. The Holy Spirit was present as real as the bread and wine they touched and tasted. And as they touched and tasted they renewed their relationship with Jesus, received anew His promises to them, and were encouraged by the assurance of their future place in His Kingdom. All of this refreshing their inner being, strengthening faith, and renewing hope.
It is almost a year now since I led a congregation in a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. It is one of the many things I miss. It could be quite overwhelming to think that in doing this we are connecting with generations of Christians going back to Jesus Himself. The one act of worship that He has commanded us to do. I sit in a pew now to receive the bread and wine and Covid has changed the way we do this. But as long as the bread and wine are there Jesus and His promises are present and there is nothing better to provide ‘strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.’
Lord Jesus,
As physical objects unlock the past, enrich the present, and bring hope for the future,
May the Lord’s Supper be a continuing source of grace as we seek to be faithful witnesses to your love. Amen.
