Devotion • October 1
Today’s Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 10:16–17
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (NRSV)
Reflection
Today is World Communion Sunday, a day in which congregations worldwide celebrate the sacrament of communion, and which helps us to remember our very large church family.
I wanted to do a little bit of research to find out how this celebration came about, and here is what I learned. World Communion Sunday began not all that long ago in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940. Since then, it has grown into an international celebration of the sacrament and is a sign of Christian Unity.
It is really cool (and pretty mind-boggling) to think that on this very day, people worldwide, of different ages, different cultures, and various walks of life will be celebrating communion together. It truly is a celebration of our worldwide church family, our connection to each other, and a meaningful moment for us to remember what Jesus did to save us.
Paul sums it up pretty well in today’s short scripture reading — we are celebrating and benefitting from what Jesus did for us, and reminding us that we are one body of Christ. It takes every single one of us — all of our gifts, our talents, our callings, our care — to show the world the love that we are all blessed with.
Prayer
Loving God, as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we thank you for the love and grace that you provide for us. As we partake of the bread and cup, help us to remember that we are all united as one big church family, and help us to show Your love to each other. Amen.
Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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