When was it?

When was the last time you received Holy Communion?

One of my all time favorite books is The Presence, An Approach to Holy Communion by The Rev. Berthold von Schenk (ALPB Books). Written in 1945 when he was the Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in the Bronx.

My early formation was in the Roman Catholic Church, pre and post Vatican II. Holy Communion was at least a once a week gift for the first 21 years of my life. My one complaint when I became an Evangelical Catholic Christian (aka Lutheran) was that the Eucharist was not celebrated at every service. I heard all of the typical Lutheran excuses like if you have it too often, you will stop realizing how important it is….when I suggested that perhaps the sermon could be treated the same way, well…..

In the 9th year of Holy Ministry, I was Called to a parish in the barrio of Tucson, a parish that was all Anglo, a parish down to 25 saints at worship most Sundays. Without flourish or delay, I instituted weekly Holy Communion, and also when midweek services during Advent and Lent were held, the Sacrament was offered.

I repeated the same practice at the next parish I served in Phoenix, and have encouraged weekly reception at each of the parishes I have served as Interim or Vacancy Pastor. We have the ministry of “Word AND Sacrament” (emphasis mine), so why share only half in the congregation. The thing about weekly Eucharist is that folks who do not wish to receive the Sacrament on a given Sunday (WHY?) can simply not come forward. For the Christian who craves the Sacrament, they never go home unfed.

I highly recommend you read The Presence and let me know if it is a blessing to you. Pastors, simply DO IT! I never put it to a vote….it is utilizing the two modes the Lord gives us to bring His presence to His people. Leaving the Sacrament not offered is like typing one hand behind my back and then sending me out to defend my flock from the ravages of the unholy trinity with one hand!

Remember that God has given His Church The Holy Scriptures and the Sacraments. Let the Church be made strong throughout the world by using all of the Means of Grace God has entrusted to us!