Thursday, June 19, 2014 - CORPUS CHRISTI

Thursday, June 19, 2014

John 15:4-17

Today, in some Christian calendars, is called Corpus Christi - the Body (and Blood) of Christ.  It is a day set aside to give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist, the gift of grace God has given to God's church.  In our calendar it is celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, and, in the worship life of the church, may include an outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

The church's understanding of the Eucharist, called also Holy Communion, Lord's Supper, or Mass, varies from denomination to denomination, and indeed, even within denominations.  But the truth of God's grace, which is always present and freely given in the Eucharist, is constant.  We gather week by week to participate in the Eucharist, which word itself means "thanksgiving."  We gather - that means with others, not alone.  We are a community of faith, giving thanks for God's love and mercy and grace.

[http://luminousdarkcloud.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/the-road-to-emmaus-their-eyes-were-opened-in-the-breaking-of-the-bread/]

The words of today's gospel describe our community's commitment to each other: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."  

[http://blogs.nd.edu/oblation/2013/04/03/the-eucharist-and-the-sacrifice-of-love-a-homily-from-holy-thursday/]

I am writing this reflection from my home for the next five weeks at the Ecumenical Community of Chautauqua.  This is a wonderful community of clergy and lay folk from many different spiritual backgrounds and communities throughout the US and Canada.  Originally founded as the Ministers' Union by a caring family who believed that church workers deserved to have access to affordable housing so that they could participate in the rich life of the Chautauqua Institution each summer, it has expanded into a truly ecumenical and accepting community of people who share space in community kitchens, living simply while respecting each others' thoughts and feelings.  Conversations are rich and varied, and civil discourse abounds.  We look forward to our time here each summer, a time to reconnect with old friends, and to make new ones; a time to be restored and renewed with stimulating conversations and numerous acts of kindness.

How do you experience community in your daily life?  How are you able to show your love for others, as God loves you?

- Rev'd Paul Kett