December 14, 2023  

Today's Reading: Luther’s Small Catechism, Sacrament of the Altar, question 4

Daily Lectionary:Isaiah 30:15-26; Revelations 2:1-29

Who receives this sacrament worthily?  Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Our churches make a big deal about Communion.  We don’t let just anyone come.  We believe it is exactly what Scripture says that it is. We believe that it can do great good if received correctly, and great harm if received incorrectly.  Paul talked about someone dying.  He seemed against it. We agree. 

The problem is, the devil loves an opportunity to call someone unworthy.  The evil foe will say you’re unworthy because of the porn you watch. Because you cut yourself. Because you struggle not to hate your parents. 

Being a sinner doesn’t make you unworthy of Communion.  Communion is only for sinners. If you’re not a sinner, don’t drink from the cup that promises forgiveness.  It’s not a meal for former sinners who kicked the habit. It’s not a meal paid for with promises to do better next time.  It’s a meal for the unworthy, and everything is flipped on its head.  For everything you’re too ashamed to admit to everyone kneeling beside you, Jesus only promises forgiveness.  Every week (cool practice, huh?).  

Fasting and bodily preparation turn into something new.  They don’t earn your place.  They simply become fine outward training.  A meal that forgives everything you want to be rid of helps us to realize life would actually be better without it.  So we fight against our sinful flesh. We fast. We prepare for the supper. And when we come starving and sinning anyway, we’re met by the same promise.  Take drink, this is the blood of Jesus, shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins.  

We still practice closed Communion.  Not because we want less people to receive this great gift.  But because we want to be sure that everyone who does is helped by it.  So the answer to “may I take communion” is never a no. Just sometimes a not yet.  We teach the faith all hearts must believe. We point to just how much is given here.  The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of those who hear it.  And the church is fed.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Unworthy though I am, O Savior, Because I have a sinful heart, Yet Thou Thy lamb wilt banish never, For Thou my faithful shepherd art: Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood Be for my soul the highest good! (LSB 618:3)

-Pastor Harrison Goodman is content executive for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.