August 11, 2024: Taste and See

Rex McKee

Taste and See

August 11, 2024

Rex McKee

 

I want to share the amazing story of Sara Miles author and journalist who experienced a profound transformation through the simple act of receiving communion. In her book “Take This Bread,” Sara describes how, one early, cloudy morning, she found herself at St. Gregory’s of Nyssa Episcopal Church, eating a piece of communion bread. What she had not expected to feel was a sharp stab of a voice inside her chest. It was a voice that seemed to say: “You are fed.”

Sara’s book chronicles a journey from disbelief to faith, emptiness to purpose, melancholy to joy, a journey emphasizing the radical nature of Christian love and hospitality. She describes her decision to start a food pantry at St. Gregory’s, which has served thousands of people, reflecting the inclusive generous spirit she discovered in the Gospel.

Sara’s story reminds us that the Eucharist is more than just a ritual; it is an invitation to be deeply nourished by Christ, the Bread of Life. This spiritual nourishment may call us to serve others, just as she was moved to open a food pantry at St Gregory’s, feeding both body and soul.

Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus reveals Himself as the ultimate sustenance for our souls. Jesus declares himself the Bread of Life and invites us into a deeper, sustaining relationship.

We heard the story of Elijah at a time of despair and exhaustion, nourished by an angel with bread and water. This Sacred provision provides Elijah the strength to continue his journey, reminding us that the Creator provides for us in our times of need. Elijah’s story resonates with those times in our lives when we feel like giving up. Overwhelmed, exhausted, he is fed by an angel, restoring his strength. Likewise, God meets us in our moments of need, offering the sustenance we require to continue our journey.

The Fellowship of the Ring (Book 1) – Chapter 8, “Farewell to Lórien”:

Description by Legolas: “Eat little at a time, and only at need. For these things are given to serve you when all else fails.

Narration: “The lembas had a virtue without which they would long ago have lain down to die. It did not satisfy desire, and at times Sam’s mind was filled with the memories of food, and the longing for simple bread and meats. And yet this waybread of the Elves had a potency that increased as travelers relied on it alone and did not mingle it with other foods. It fed the will, and it gave strength to endure, and to master sinew and limb beyond the measure of mortal kind.”

Sara Miles found unexpected spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist, we too are called to receive and be transformed by this sacred meal. Sara’s awakening led her to serve others, embodying the love Jesus speaks of.

The crowd questioned Jesus, saying, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?” They struggled to see the divine in the ordinary. We are invited to look deeper, to experience the divine in our everyday lives. Jesus’s promise extends beyond physical sustenance into a deeper, eternal relationship. Sara shares this with us her recognition of the sacred in the simple act of eating bread.

Naturalist John Muir communicated his deeply personal Intimacy with nature writing:

“The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us…every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.”

Muir reminds us that just as nature nourishes us physical and spiritually, Eucharist nurtures us bringing us into deeper sacramental communion with God and creation.

Eucharist is a multidimensional, both Kairos and Chronos time, sacrament that encompasses honor and transcendence,  remembrance, offering, thanksgiving, and presence. It is an offering of the fruits of the earth, and the gifts of the table, and ourselves in service to God and to others. It is a thanksgiving for Jesus’ life, love, redemption, incorporating Christ’s presence in the bread, wine, gathered community, and the church’s mission and ministry.

There are countless opinions about the liturgical nature of Eucharist: RC teach that it is the true body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine. For Orthodox traditions, it is a mystery on how bread and wine become body and blood. On the other end of the spectrum Baptists understand Eucharist as a memorial, Methodists as a means of sanctification to grace, Lutherans that Christ body and blood are truly present without a change in substance.

As you might imagine, Anglicans, Episcopalians, hold multiple beliefs about the Eucharist. We confirm that the body and blood of Christ are “given, taken, and eaten” after a heavenly and spiritual manner. An understanding in the real presence and symbolic interpretation.

Eucharist is both a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a dynamic, sustaining blessing that empowers us to act for justice and radical hospitality in the world.

The acts of communion are reminders that we are called to be Christ’s body in the world, a body that breaks itself for the liberation and healing of the oppressed.  That we not only pray for the coming of the reign of heaven but work tirelessly to bring about justice, peace, and equity here and now. Eucharist is an act of resistance against all forms of oppression.

Radical hospitality of Eucharist extends beyond our personal comfort zones calling us to welcome the stranger, the outcast, the marginalized, mirroring the radical inclusivity of Christ. Sharing the Eucharist gifts of God nurtures a community where all are equal before God.

In the Breaking of the bread together we are reminded of our baptismal commitment for justice and equality calling us to solidarity with the poor and oppressed. Illustrated by Sara Miles’ narrative, consider how Saint John’s continues to grow a place of nourishment for both body and soul. Consider our ministry at Casa Maria, Haiti, FNK, Good Courage Farm, refugee families, and the many other acts of service that embody the love of Christ.

 

My stories

Receiving Eucharist in Des Moines Hospital after a series of TIA

Rod Hardy visit with Eucharist near the end of his life.

 

Remember a time in your life where Eucharist had a profound impact upon you, or perhaps not at all. Share with your neighbor a time when receiving Eucharist deeply touched you.

Perhaps it was a spiritual awakening, a time when you felt called into action in the world, or an experience that compelled you to act for justice. Perhaps it was a significant gift for sustaining you into the future.

A time of sharing…

 

Closing Prayer

May we be fed and sustained with Jesus, the bread of life and be inspired to engage in acts of mercy, justice, and peace, walking in the way of love.

10am Service