White Bread and Grape Juice

The first Sunday of each month marks an important ritual of our faith, observed by many churches worldwide. Communion. Whether you are eating wine and crusty chunks of french bread, or grape juice and wafers, the true meaning is all about Christ's sacrifice of His body and blood on the cross to redeem us from our sins.

This Sunday was an unusual one. The Journey North, where we regularly attend, gave people the opportunity to commit or recommit their lives to Christ. It is always exciting to see people come to the realization that they need Jesus' saving grace, and this morning dozens of people made that decision over the 3 services. Communion was also done a little differently. Instead of passing the plate, each person came to the front, picked out a chunk of bread, and dunked it in a cup of grape juice before eating it.

I have to admit, although communion has great meaning for me as a Christian, whether or not my head is completely wrapped around the meaning behind it depends on the day. Yesterday was no exception, especially with the changes and all the people milling around and getting in line to partake of their communion portion. As our turn came, I tried to refocus and get my thoughts back in order.  Then I popped that little square of white bread in my mouth.

The first piece of bread that I have eaten in almost a month.

The flavor of it exploded on my tongue as the starches dissolved into sugary goodness. It tasted so sweet and chewy. At that moment I couldn't imagine the finest pastry tasting any better than that tiny square of bread. I have to admit, the only thoughts I had about God in that moment was how thankful I was that he has created wheat so that we could make bread.

I'm sure he will forgive me.