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Last Sunday’s Gospel lesson
from Luke Chapter 24 describes the resurrection appearance of our
Lord to the disciples on that first Easter Sunday. Jesus
appears to the disciples and says, “Peace.” Last week we
discussed the Peace of Christ as a gift of the Resurrection.
This week we see that another gift is that of His Real Presence.
[37] But they were startled and frightened and
thought they saw a spirit. [38] And he said to them, “Why are you
troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? [39] See my
hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a
spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” [40] And when
he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
[41] And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling,
he said to them,“Have you anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a
piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate before them.” (Luke 24:37-43 ESV)
Jesus doesn’t ignore the reality of their fears and doubts – he
addresses them by demonstrating that He is REAL – His Resurrection is
REAL! Not only has He risen from the dead - Jesus desires to be with
us – to sit and eat with us – to love and teach us.
And that is exactly what we do every time we celebrate Holy
Eucharist.
We set the table with bread and wine – to be invited to share in His
body and blood.
I think of the hymn by George Wallace Biggs:
Come, risen Lord, and “deign to be our guest;
nay, let us be thy guests; the feast is thine;
thyself at thine own board thyself make manifest
in thine own Sacrament of
Bread and Wine"
Just as Jesus made himself manifest – physically present – to the
disciples in the breaking so too He makes himself manifest when we
come together around altar churches. The same churches which have
known so much joy and sorrow. Where babies have been baptized
and young couples married and people of all ages mourned and placed
into God’s loving hands. Every time we gather for these life
events we celebrate the Holy Eucharist – which is right and good.
When we place our hands out to receive the bread – his body – and the
cup of wine – his blood – we gather as His guests not He as ours.
I pray you all a very blessed week!
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