PASTORAL PONDERINGS - WORD, SACRAMENT & ORDER
The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated by all denominations of the Christian Faith. There are three main theological understandings of what occurs as the elements are consecrated. Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation. This means that when the priest consecrates the elements they actually become the body and blood of Christ. As a result of this, they are extremely careful to make sure all the elements are consumed and handled with great care.
Our Episcopal brothers and sisters, as a result of King Henry the VIII departure from the church in Rome, have adopted the theology of consubstantiation. As the elements are consecrated, the belief is that the spirit of the Christ surrounds the bread and wine, again resulting in the handling of the elements with great care.
In the Presbyterian Church and many others, the understanding is the interpretation given to us by Zwingli. For us the sacrament is a memorial observance reminding us of the sacrifice of Jesus and his forgiveness of our sins.
On the first Sunday of October we will observe World Wide Communion. This tradition calls for all Christians, regardless of their theological differences, to observe the sacrament on this Lord’s Day. In our current time of divisiveness, it is a wonderful opportunity to share in our unity and in our goal for a new order under the Christ. I hope you will observe it with us.
~Rev. Dr. Fred Leasure, Parish Associate