An ELCA Reconciling in Christ Congregation Located in Northwest Washington, DC

First Holy Communion Thoughts

Filed Under Pastor's Blog by Pastor Meredith

This Sunday, St. Paul’s will welcome six children to the Lord’s Table to receive their first Holy Communion. As we prepare for this special day, I cannot help but think back on my own first Holy Communion.

One night many years ago my parents and I gathered with other fifth grade families in the sanctuary of my home congregation for first Holy Communion instruction. I remember that the kids sat on one side and the parents sat on the other. There was an overhead projector, used by the pastor I presume to teach us everything that we needed to know about the sacrament. Truth be told, I do not remember a single word he said. The only thing about that night that I can recall is that at the end we all made a single file line to get a taste of the communion wine, after which, we all made faces and loudly remarked how gross it was. What can you say? We were only in the fifth grade!

I have to wonder what these six children will remember about their first Holy Communion instruction. Will they remember throwing flies around the classroom as I retold to them the Passover story? Will they remember standing behind the altar talking about how Jesus is truly present in the wine and bread? Of, will they just remember making yuck faces after tasting the wine?

Here’s the thing, though. Even if they remember nothing at all about what they have been taught, the sacrament in which they will partake this Sunday will still bring about the forgiveness of their sins. It will still remind them of God’s immense love for them. The bread and wine of Holy Communion will still help them to feel connected to the larger body of Christ of which they are a member.

Holy Communion is a gift from God to us with no strings attached. There is no age requirement to receive it. No length exam that has to be passed before one can partake of it. Holy Communion is God’s way of assuring us that we are loved and forgiven, even when we do not remember that is the case.

I hope that these children will remember a little bit from their first Holy Communion instruction, but if they do not, they will be reminded week after week of God’s love for them as they eat the bread that is Christ’s body and the wine that is Christ’s blood. That is something to celebrate to be sure!

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Posted May 3rd, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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