Worldwide Communion Sunday
Scripture Text: John 6:1-14
Remembering the scripture story, from the Gospel of John, let us pause for a moment, to listen to words of prayer and blessing by Joy Mead:
God of our open futures,
help us:
to explore
once upon a time moments
where stories begin
and outrageous hope,
outspoken love,
justice and joy
are released;
to see
where the nudging angels
move amongst people
longing for comfort and community
sensing beginnings of friendship
wanting touch and affirmation;
to enable
life's great feast to happen,
hearts and hands, baskets and pockets
to open,
neighbour to share bread
and peace with neighbour,
to make a place for another;
so that in the most ordinary of miracles
all are fed.
The Miracle of Sharing, by Joy Mead, p.80 Holy Ground
The story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, as told in the Gospel of John, is a wonderful account of needs being met with generosity, thanksgiving, and an openness to creativity and the movement of God's spirit in gathered community. No one is too small or insignificant to play a part in God's commonwealth. John tells us that a child, who had no social status or value in his time and place, gave what he had and in the abundance of God's blessing there was more than enough for everyone.
I also believe that the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand is about more than food for the body. The people who gathered to hear Jesus speak were also looking for food for the spirit. Jesus' reputation as a healer, teacher of wisdom, prophet and holy man was widespread and people were hungry for words of hope and liberation from the many forms of oppression they experienced.
Through his teachings, and compassionate actions, Jesus showed people a glimpse of God's commonwealth where all are valued, welcomed, and important. He showed that all have something to offer even those, or perhaps especially those, who seem unlikely purveyors of God's wisdom and grace.
As imperfect human beings we often believe that we don't have much to offer or we look to others, who we think are wiser or more capable, to do the important work that needs to be done in our world. The Sufi poet, Rumi, put it this way, "You carry a basket full of bread on your head and yet you go door to door asking for crusts". In a similar manner, John Dominic Crossan has paraphrased Jesus by saying, "The Kingdom of God is already present. You've been waiting for God and God has been waiting for you, that's why nothing is happening." (2008 Epiphany Explorations symposium, First Metropolitan United Church, Victoria B.C.)
The story of Jesus' life is powerful and inspirational and if we allow his story to permeate our lives, and become our story, we will begin to realize God's commonwealth in the actions of our lives. It is inspiring and empowering to know there are a multitude of Christians, here and around the world, who by the power and conviction of their faith are committed to working for justice and the common good.
As we celebrate Worldwide Communion, we remember that we are part of a story that is much bigger than ourselves. Our Christian story transcends any boundaries of language, culture or race. When we gather around the table of Jesus Christ, when we share bread made from wheat, corn, rice or whatever is the staple food of our society, we do so in communion with all members of the Body of Christ throughout the world. Together, we remember that Jesus welcomed all to join him at God's abundant table. We remember that he embodied God's love for the world and that he dedicated his life to serving others and to advocating for those whose voices were not heard or valued. In remembering, we also dedicate our lives as Christ's disciples seeking to follow his example and live God's way of love and justice.
And so we gather, as Christians for 2,000 years have gathered, to share our story of faith, to remember and give thanks for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and to be renewed and strengthened in our common vision. The sacrament of communion connects us intimately to our past, embraces us lovingly in our present, and gives us promising hope for the future.
I give thanks that we are not alone on this journey of faith. Knowing that Christians around the world are gathering, this day, to celebrate the sacrament of communion inspires and encourages me. Some will gather in cathedrals, some in shacks, some in open fields. All will be united in Christ's name as members of the worldwide Christian community.
With this in mind, I'll close with a Table Blessing by Jan Richardson:
To your table
you bid us come.
You have set the places,
you have poured the wine,
and there is always room,
for one more.
And so we come.
From the streets
and from the alleys
we come.
From the deserts
and from the hills
we come.
From the ravages of poverty
and from the palaces of privilege
we come.
Running, limping, carried,
we come.
...to your table
we come.
Hungering for your bread,
...thirsting for your wine,
...singing your song
in every language,
speaking your name
in every tongue,
in conflict and in communion,
in discord and in desire,
we come,
O God of Wisdom
we come.
Wisdom's Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season
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