There is a mystery and an intimacy – a resurrection reality – when receiving Holy Communion. Jesus’ real presence is not defined by us – by our effort or emotions, whether we ‘feel’ him present or not – because Jesus declares what Holy Communion is – his body and blood – and since we are where our body and blood are – so Jesus is where he says he will be – with us, here on earth with us – not up in heaven looking down on us so to speak but with – in! – us. What goes on between Jesus and the communicant is between Jesus and the communicant! But Jesus has come to forgive, to heal, to strengthen faith, and he is really, physically, present with us in that moment.

“Pastor”, she said quietly, “I love Holy Communion”. They were by themselves after the service, she one of the matriarchs of the congregation, he still green behind his pastoral ears. “It is a precious time”, he replied unsure of what to say. Sometimes it is best to say nothing or little. There was silence between them. “I particularly linger at the Nunc Dimittis and imagine Simeon holding baby Jesus … Jesus has come to me in my old age and helps me, comforts me, pastor, comforts me and the rage is less, much less, but not gone, not totally gone, but Jesus knows and he helps me forgive and live on.” Over the months to come the story emerged of a young woman who married a man who turned out to be controlling and violent. They had a daughter. It was a horrible time. She eventually left him but in those days and in that part of the country that wasn’t the done thing, and she was viewed by most people as in the wrong but they were safe. He was able to have visiting rights and then on one occasion there was a murder and suicide and the messages left were for her because it was all her fault. “Pastor, I hope you never feel such rage or hatred!”

Over the years, Jesus held her but it was never easy, a turbulent time of emotions as life and the people around you ‘move on’. “Two things Jesus did for me over the years, Pastor. He came to me in Holy Communion and he assured me that he was with my daughter in the heavenly realm and when there is Holy Communion, I trust what Jesus says and I imagine him now holding her though she’s not a baby as he holds me and I say goodbye to both of them for now with Simeon. Each time.”

What goes on between Jesus and the communicant is between Jesus and the communicant and that can be comfort – so much comfort.

There is a mystery and an intimacy – a resurrection reality – when receiving Holy Communion.

GS