Signs and Symbols

31st May 2019

as published in Great Yarmouth Parish Life

Eucharist, Communion, the Lord's Supper

What do you call the church service where Jesus' last meal with His apostles is reenacted? And does it matter what we call it?
 
The word 'Eucharist' comes from the Greek word eucharistia, which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word berekah. All three words have the meaning of thanksgiving, or praise for the wonderful works of God. So, we are giving thanks for all that God has done for us and all that Jesus has achieved through His life, death and resurrection
 
`Communion', according to the Cambridge dictionary, has the meaning of being in a close relationship with someone in which feelings and thoughts are exchanged. So, at Communion we are together with Christ and with each other
 
The term 'The Lord's Table' refers to recalling the last meal that Jesus ate with His apostles, and doing so in remembrance of Him
 
There is a lovely invitation which is sometimes used to invite people to come forward to receive the bread and wine which goes along these lines:

Come to this table,
not because you must but because you may,
Come, when you are fearful, doubtful or In need;
to be held by the God who made you and loves you.
It is the table of company with Jesus,
and all who love him.
It is the table of sharing with the poor of the world,
with whom Jesus identified himself.
Come. It is Christ who invites us to meet Him here

What's important is not so much what we call this act of worship but rather our attitude in accepting this invitation from the Lord Himself
Come

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