One reading for this day is I Corinthians 11:23 ff which is St. Paul's account of the Lord's Supper. Although Anglicans have sometimes had differing theological opinions about the Sacrament, we have been clear that this Sacrament instituted by our Lord is more than simply an act of remembrance. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin and death by offering Himself on the cross. Anglicans and most other Christians have agreed that in some mysterious and unique way, Jesus comes to be with us along with the consecrated bread and the wine.
The proper minister or celebrant uses Christ's Words of Institution to bless the bread and the wine and assures believers of Christ's living presence. Jesus brings us His forgiving and strengthening grace through the outward means that He established. We are tangibly offered grace whenever we observe the Lord's Supper/Holy Communion/Eucharist. We are called to repent and receive the Sacrament in faith and in reverence.
Hopefully, we can enjoy this great gift as we commemorate its institution on this Thursday of Holy Week. Unfortunately,, external circumstances or schedules make it impossible for some to gather and receive the Sacrament on this day. Yet, we can still meditate upon the Scriptural accounts and contemplate the Lord's Supper. Looking to past and future observances of the Sacrament, we can still pray for Christ to come and be with us wherever we are. Thanks be to God for Christ's special Presence in the Lord's Supper and for His spiritual communion with believers scattered throughout the world!
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