Also the title of a movie from the 1980’s starring Sally Field as a young wife and mother of two who is suddenly widowed in Texas in 1935. Her husband had been accidentally shot and killed by a young black man. He was lynched for his crime. Sally’s character has to figure out how she and her children are going to survive. She picks and sells cotton. The closing scene of this film still gets me. All of the characters are in church, including the dead husband. He passes the communion bread to his killer. Talk about forgiveness!

The Lord’s Supper is the banquet of life and love. The ethics of community derive from this meal. This sacrament is the embodiment of inclusivity, of unity and diversity. Since Jesus died for sinners, including murderers, the means of grace are not withheld from the one who believes and is penitent. God alone judges the heart. It is hard for me to imagine worship without celebrating the bond we share at the Table. The service (or mass) feels empty without it. The Trinitarian nature – command (“this is my Son; listen to him”), visible sign (the body of blood of our Lord) and the promise of the Holy Spirit are more than just words. They do something to us. Towards the end of our weekly time together, it sends all of us out, having been fed by the very essence of our Savior and Redeemer.

  A movie, or a song, or a personal encounter, can show us the special places in our hearts. May the real presence of God’s unconditional love be among you and remain with you always.

Pastor Art