Today is the commemoration of Johann Gerhard, Theologian.
Today's readings are Psalm 24.1-6, 2 Samuel 7.1-17, and 1 Corinthians 9.24-10.22.
Paul's charge to us in 1 Corinthians 10.14 is to flee idolatry. Yet he immediately turns about and says that in communion we have a participation in the real body and blood of Christ. The terminology he uses is crystal clear. We take part in the true body of our Lord, the bread of heaven, the sacrifice made for us. By tying communion with Israel's sacrifice he boldly points to a real, physical, forgiving presence of Jesus, giving real forgiveness of sins.
I've been told by those who view communion as a metaphorical, symbolic presence that it's all right for us to commune together even though we view it differently. But that is no communion. We would not be participating together. Not at all. Either it is a participation in the body and blood of the Lord or it is not. Let us rather make up our minds to accept what our Lord has given us, then we can have true communion - unity with one another and with Jesus, who gave himself for us and is truly with us.
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