The house is noisy and filled with people of all ages and sizes. Wonderful aromas drift in from the kitchen, and celebration is in the air. The atmosphere is full of stories being told and memories being shared. There is always something familiar and always something new. I look forward to these shared family gatherings. (Family is anyone who arrives and shares in the gathering). Connections are made over birthdays, anni­versaries, holidays, and any other excuse to get together.

For the same reasons, I also look forward to communion at church. I look forward to sharing the story of Jesus walking down the street to the place where he and his disciples would share a meal. I imagine the disciples get­ting ready for the Passover Feast together. They would be reflecting on the first Passover, and they would be wondering how things would go in the ­upper room Jesus had arranged for them.

At the table, as they remember God’s deliverance from slavery long ago, there is a change in the conversation. Jesus introduces something new, offering a remembrance for the future. He says this meal will mark the beginning of a new covenant. They don’t understand, but later they will see that the kingdom of God will include all kinds of people—all who believe in Jesus as Savior. This will be a table offering grace for all—and that’s worth remembering!