For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
1 Cor 11:23-26
I arrived early, yet found the church already packed with people. The sanctuary was filled to capacity; even its aisles were clogged with people on wicker stools. I made my way up the staircase leading to the balcony, but soon found that every available seat had been taken. So I sat down on a step halfway up the staircase. People crowded in around me. None of us could see into the sanctuary, but we could hear the sounds of worship.
It was communion Sunday, and soon the emblems were being passed out. As a container of small cups reached the staircase, it became apparent that there would not be enough for everyone. A group of ten or more – myself included – stared at the last cup. The man who held it looked around, wondering what to do. When he spotted me – a foreigner – he placed the cup in my hand. There I stood in the midst of a sea of eager faces, the only one holding this powerful symbol of God’s grace. I will not soon forget that moment, the graciousness of the Giver/giver, the way the event mirrored a larger reality. The faces of those around me, those without a cup, reminded me why I had come to China.
Lord, I worship you for you alone are worthy of worship. I look back and remember how you died for me and so enabled me to truly live. I look forward and rejoice for I know that you are coming to establish your kingdom in its fullness. And today, I ask that you would help me proclaim in word and deed your greatness and love. Lord, I know that there are many who stand unable to grasp the cup, unable to receive the gift. Help me be a giver today.
