World Communion Sunday

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:26

     This year, World Communion Sunday falls on October 6. Globally, the ecumenical Church celebrates this sacrament of grace. Many churches will be dedicating this worship service to the people of Zimbabwe.

     This particular Sunday can unite people, as a day of solidarity and fellowship. For we are all pilgrims on a sacred path, reaching out for divine guidance and inspiration. Universally we share this common bond.

     Due to food shortages plaguing Zimbabwe, I fear not everyone will have access to the simple elements of bread and wine needed for Sunday Eucharist. So I would like to share a story I found in a book excerpt, titled "Visions of a World Hungry," authored by Thomas G. Pettepiece. It speaks to me every time I celebrate communion and is not limited to Easter or World Communion Sunday.

     This story speaks of thousands of prisoners in a concentration camp. These unfortunate souls had lost their homes, and everything they owned. Families were broken up and many children were wandering the streets, with their parents often in separate prisons.

     The Christian prisoners had no bread or wine to celebrate the Resurrection one Easter Sunday. Theirs would be a communion of empty hands.

     The non-Christian prisoners offered to help them divert the guard's attention to their unauthorized gathering. They would talk quietly among themselves, covering the barely audible voice of the preacher. The preacher spoke of their shared prison experiences, before reminding the listening prisoners of the torture, death and final victory of resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     He noted the fact that they lacked bread and wine for the sacrament and invited his listeners to identify with the hunger of many millions of people. Together they could dream of a united humanity, a just society, without racial distrust, class differences and ethnic hatreds, while experiencing a moment of holy joy through worship.

     The minister then held out his empty hand to the first person to his right, sharing the beloved familiar words attributed to Jesus on the night he was betrayed. "Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me." After all had symbolically partaken, he cupped his empty hand, and said, "Take, drink, this is the blood of Christ…let us give thanks, sure that Christ is here with us, strengthening us."

     Those participating in the symbolic sacrament gave thanks to God and embraced each other. In their own way, both Christians and non-Christians celebrated the communion of the saints and experienced faith, each in their own way. They shared their sacred path in adversity, and found great strength and solace for their journey.

     Whatever your circumstances and faith may be, remember this story. Be encouraged in the knowledge that people around the world are praying for you and Zimbabwe. Christ will be with you, strengthening you.

     Prayer: God, may those who feel helpless and powerless find faith, courage, strength and holy joy through this story. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
September 30, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.