It's World Communion Sunday! On this day, during almost every hour of the day, Christians throughout the world will celebrate the Lord's Supper or Eucharist. Let your mind wander from country to country as the daylight hits the land and the people awaken to worship and you get an idea of the day. Imagine the various people, the clothing, and customs, and music in each country. And then imagine the shared faith and the shared communion! I've always loved this day because it makes me aware of the wonderful variety of people who follow Christ in so many different places, yet the emphasis is on the work of God and all the things that unite us as we respond to God.
Yet we all know this doesn't mean the world is suddenly heaven or that peace reigns everywhere.
I'm especially mindful today of attacks against Christians and other people of religious faith in India. This has been an ongoing issue for a number of years now. Instead of using words to discuss opinions, or using their lives to change the world, too many are resorting to physical attacks which maim and kill. Sadly this sort of irreligious behavior seems to be escalating in a number of states with little intervention from the government. See the full story at http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/pr.cfm?articleid=5164
As I take communion today in a safe and secure sanctuary, with no fear of anyone attacking me, I'll be thinking of all those who will take communion with their eyes wide open and ears listening for would be attackers. While they know the Prince of Peace and may experience an inner calm, we'll pray for the day that they might worship in peace with no fear of attack or retribution.
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