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Communion

22/4/2015

 
1 Corinthians 11 v 17 - 34
When the Lord Jesus spoke to His followers at the Last Supper He both invited and instructed them to carry on this fellowship meal regularly saying, 'Do this in remembrance of me'.  It is our Christian privilege and duty to carry on this practise until He returns and we share in 'the marriage celebration of the Lamb'. 


The church in 1st century Corinth was divided by jealousy and pride with the result that gatherings for worship and the Lord's Supper had become quite chaotic.  So the words we read at communion were originally written in the context of an apostolic caution.  Be careful, writes Paul, that your broken fellowship doesn't become an insult to the Lord, inviting discipline rather than blessing!


As we prepare to come to His table on 3rd May D.V., let us all humbly examine our lives and where necessary seek grace and forgiveness, that we may gather in brotherly love and participate in a manner worthy of our Lord.

'Business as Usual'

3/4/2015

 
‘Business as Usual’

(Mark 15 v 37-38)

 

Some of us grew up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.  They were grim times, with some dreadful atrocities committed by all sides, and many hearts broken with grief.

But there was also a dogged determination to somehow carry on, demonstrated by what you’d sometimes see on shops after a bomb.  As people swept up the glass and debris, signs would appear on boards where the windows had been, saying, ‘Business as Usual.’  Back in those days we admired the resilience of people who just kept going, despite the trauma and frustration.

However, less honourable was the attitude of the authorities in Jerusalem after that controversial Passover Festival, the one where they had popular preacher Jesus of Nazareth set up and brutally executed.

Something dreadful had taken place but they were trying to pretend everything was normal.  They stitched up the torn curtain in the Temple, hung a ‘Business as Usual’ sign on the door, and carried on as before.  They probably even let the traders and crooked money-changers back in!

Something appalling had taken place, but also something wonderful, and just beneath the surface something was beginning that would ensure the world could never be the same again.

The Son of God had willingly suffered to atone for human sin.  The way to God was open like never before, forgiveness and reconciliation freely available to all who choose to trust.  Good news had been born in the hearts of disciples who would make it a global phenomenon.

Oh, and the man they had murdered?  He was alive again.

Business as usual?  I don’t think so. 

    Author

    Rev Andrew Watson, Minister of Dunfanaghy and Carrigart Presbyterian Churches, Co Donegal.

    Further material by Rev Watson can be found at www.wordsurfers.com

    Rev Watson has also published a book of reflections and prayers, "Finding Our Way Home", with all royalties going to charity.

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