I look forward to every time we have communion at church.  I never get tired of the tradition.  A sacred act that honours God and replenishes our souls.  Sometimes I wonder who delights in it more, Jesus or myself.  

The representation of the body of Christ as bread and his blood as wine humanizes the deep, compassionate, unending love of God.  To be invited to his table as we are, full of human frailties, is such an enormous heartfelt gift.  

One aspect of communion that is rarely talked about or encouraged is the value of being vulnerable, letting your guard down, coming as you are, without self condemnation or the need to put on a facade of strength and joy.  When we don’t do this we rob ourselves from fully receiving God’s blessing and anointing.  

In some respects I feel like I have an advantage compared to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Every time I am invited out to dinner or to a party I need someone to assist me with eating.  When I was in my early twenties I would feel uncomfortable asking for help as I didn’t want to feel like a burden or bother anyone.  Sometimes I would leave a party without eating anything which defeated the purpose and left me hungry.  

My perspective has completely changed and I am no longer ashamed.  No longer do I feel like a burden.  Sometimes I have asked complete strangers for assistance at a party.  I used it to my advantage as a means of socializing and getting to know that person.  

One of the things I appreciate about communion is that we are all equal.  Although you may physically feed yourself the bread and wine, we are not able to feed our souls alone.  In communion we are all dependant on Jesus to nourish our souls.  

From my experience I have the luxury of feeling comfortable with coming to Jesus as who I am with all my imperfections.  I gladly accept being dependant on him to feed my soul.  

Next time you’re invited to come for communion, imagine Jesus looking at you with his doting, loving eyes, full of anticipation, rising to greet you.  Imagine he’s prepared a table full of decadent food, especially for you, knowing what you personally require to rejuvenate your own soul.  

All you need to do is come as you are.