Understanding Holy Communion: More Than Just Remembrance

On World Communion Sunday, we join millions of Christians around the globe to celebrate this sacred meal. Holy Communion is not simply a ritual. It is a meaningful encounter with Christ Himself. Let’s look at what this sacrament means and why it holds such a vital place in our faith journey.

Why Do Meals Matter in Our Faith?

Think about the meals you share with your family. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a simple meal on a weeknight, these gatherings are about more than the food. They are about presence, connection, and belonging.

When Jesus gave us the bread and the cup, He said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Yet Communion is more than recalling something from the past. It is about meeting the living Christ here and now.

What Did Paul Teach About Communion?

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addressed problems in how the early believers were celebrating Communion. They shared the Lord’s Supper as part of a meal, much like a modern church potluck. Unfortunately, some were excluding the poor and showing favoritism.

Paul was deeply concerned because this behavior went against the very meaning of the meal. Communion, he reminded them, is about love, acceptance, and unity. He called believers to examine their hearts and to come to the table with humility and reverence.

This table represents the community of believers. There is no room for division when we come to Christ’s table. Jesus Himself is the host, and in this sacred act, God is truly present to meet us with His grace.

What Did John Wesley Teach About Holy Communion?

J

ohn Wesley, the founder of Methodism, described Communion as a “means of grace,” a way through which God pours His grace into our lives. Because of that, Wesley encouraged believers to take Communion often.

When we receive the bread and the cup, we experience more than physical nourishment. We receive the presence of Christ. Wesley even believed that Communion could be a “converting ordinance,” meaning that a person might come to faith in Christ while taking part in this holy meal.

Key Truths About Holy Communion

• It is a means of grace where God offers His transforming love.

• It is for the church and for the world.

• It is a proclamation of the gospel. Each time we receive the elements, we declare, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Why Do Methodists Practice Open Communion?

In the Methodist tradition, Communion is open to all. You do not need to be a member of our church or any church to come to the table. If you desire Christ and His grace, you are welcome.

One woman once shared that she felt truly part of the body of Christ for the first time when she was invited to take Communion as an adult. That invitation captures the spirit of Jesus Himself, who welcomes all who seek Him.

Should Children Participate in Communion?

Children may not understand everything about Communion, but neither do adults. What children do understand is belonging. They sense the love, mystery, and beauty of this sacred act.

Just as a child may not grasp the full meaning of a family meal but still knows what it means to be part of the family, children can experience the love of God when they come to the Lord’s table.

When the disciples tried to keep children away, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” What parent would tell their child, “You cannot eat dinner tonight because you don’t understand it”? In the same way, God invites all His children to the table.

When Should We Take Communion?

We come to Communion not because we are strong, but because we are weak and need Christ’s strength. We come not because we are righteous, but because we seek His righteousness. We come not because we are perfect, but because we need His presence.

Wesley called Communion “the grand channel by which the grace of the Holy Spirit can be conveyed to the souls of God’s children.” It is not a reward for holiness. It is a remedy for our weakness and weariness.

In hard seasons, we need Communion even more. It reminds us of Christ’s personal love: “This is my body given for you.” It renews our hope and shifts our focus from our struggles to Christ’s victory.

Life Application

Take time this week to reflect on how you approach Holy Communion. Do you see it only as a ritual of remembrance, or do you come expecting to meet the living Christ?

Here are a few questions to consider:

• How might my experience of Communion change if I truly believed Jesus is present when I receive it?

• What areas of my life need God’s grace right now, and how can I bring those needs to the table?

• Is there anyone I need to reconcile with before coming to the table?

• How can I extend the same welcome and grace I receive at Communion to others?

Approach Communion with a renewed heart. See it not as a routine, but as a sacred opportunity to receive grace, encounter Christ, and recommit to living as His people. If your church offers Communion this week, come with expectation. If not, take a moment to reflect on its meaning and how this holy meal continues to shape your faith journey.