When you are at church, do you sometimes hear the beginning of the ‘Communion’ hymn and joyfully think ‘Oh, I love that one!’? The richness and significance of some of these selections really reach me. The profound lyrics in these hymns should move us. They are prayers and guidance to live as the Body of Christ which we will especially acknowledge this Sunday in the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Through the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Most Holy Trinity—all still fresh in our minds and hearts—we know we are to spread the Gospel through our lives. For me, this last holy celebration of the season shows us how to proceed in two special, life-giving ways. This Sunday, ‘Communion’ will become part of our mission. Communion with Christ and with each other.
Most importantly, we were given Jesus, ‘…the living bread that came down from heaven….’ (Jn 6:51) The sacrifice was made for us, is alive in us, and works in us. With a life in Christ, we are loved, saved, forgiven, renewed, healed, comforted, protected, cherished, and desired. When we invite and receive Christ into our hearts, we accept His love and grace and do our best to recognize Him in others or in moments and, even when it is difficult, trust God’s will in all that we encounter.
And in receiving Christ, we share Him and His goodness. As numerous hymns proclaim, we are many parts of the one Body. We all have a purpose, a task, and a gift to share, unique and crucial to the whole. Something no one else can do or say or provide. In this Body, there is a place for all of us, and this is what draws me to so many Communion hymns. They remind us to live in Christ together. To be unified in Him, to rejoice in Him, to gather at the table, to be a family of love, compassion, and welcome to all. I know I have been blessed by the countless gifts and graces of others. I am a stronger, more trusting person of faith because of the people God has sent to touch my life. I am so very grateful.
Perhaps in a quiet time soon, pray with the lyrics from a favorite Communion hymn of yours. Let the images of living and walking together in Christ work in you. The mission of spreading the Gospel by living in Communion with Christ and His people is all around us. Our place in this mission of bringing the love of God to world is quite awesome to think about.
Journeying to Grace 