As Good As It Gets

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 22.19 

Growing up as a Baptist, communion was a “once in a while” thing. And while I understood the meaning of taking the bread and wine (grape juice!) and had great reverence for it, communion was not a significant part of my worship life.

In my early 30s, I experienced a growing uneasiness between my real life as a working Mother and my worship life in the Baptist Church, especially with the Southern Baptist view of women. After discussing these feelings with a friend, she invited me to attend an Episcopal Church with her. From the minute that I walked into the Nave, I knew it was my new home.  From that day forward, I attended services regularly but felt unworthy to take the Eucharist that was offered each Sunday. It was only after completion of an Adult Confirmation Class, resulting in confirmation by the Bishop, that I comprehended the Episcopalian view of Eucharist and felt comfortable participating. Since then, for the past 30 years it has become a very meaningful part of my spiritual life.

Fast forward, my husband was also confirmed and we raised our three children in the Episcopal Church, where they were also baptized and confirmed. We attended church regularly – too much, if you ask my son! and celebrated Eucharist each Sunday. One Sunday, out of the blue, I had an amazing epiphany that I will never forget. Before being served, I looked at my husband and three children kneeling at the Altar and thought “this is as good as it gets” - worshiping God together and remembering Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension by taking the bread and wine. This is what we live for – and to share the Good News with others.

Now, at St. Francis, as I watch the many young families line up for the Eucharist, I am deeply grateful for that revelation and sincerely hope that these parents understand the blessing of having their family together at the Altar. Especially as we approach the celebration of thebirth of Our Lord, may they realize what a fleeting moment in time Eucharist is and acknowledge that “this is as good as it gets!”

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gifts of bread and wine through your Son, Jesus Christ. Keep us ever mindful of the amazing blessing and honor of being able to worship you at the Altar every Sunday. And, Lord, we ask a special blessing upon our many young families at St. Francis, that they would continue to grow in spiritual knowledge and love for you. Amen.