Reflection
Experiencing the body of Christ
SHUTTERSTOCK “ T
he body of Christ, given for you.” Such simple words. Yet such deep and profound words that connect us with God and each other, both
spiritually and physically, through all time and space. I move down the line, distributing the bread to each person
who has come forward to receive communion. I repeat those words as I press the bread into open and extended hands. Eyes meet mine as we celebrate this holy moment. We are the body of Christ gathered and united at his table. I recently served as a pastoral presence in a congrega-
tion that had suffered the rapid decline and death of their pastor’s spouse. For five weeks I presided at communion so the pastor could tend to his spouse and then to his self-care after her death. Other leaders preached and conducted wor- ship. I offered a reminder that in difficult and painful times we are never separated from Christ. Christ is truly present in communion. It was a gift to look into their eyes each week and dwell in
this sacred space. Yet my experience of being part of the liv- ing, moving body of Christ extended beyond that worship space. Others gathered around this community to assist as they grieved because we are united with them in that space too. Area pastors created a schedule for any emergency visita-
tions. Others made themselves available to talk with and walk with the pastor. The body of Christ was alive and moving all around them. It still is. I told this blessed community of faith who gathered each
Sunday around the table that my time with them was a real body of Christ experience. Typically we use these words in our proclamation of the gospel, but we don’t often see or feel them as intensely as I did here. Even times of intense pain can be times of great blessedness for pastor and people. That is the good news amid even the bleakest times. My prayer for them, and for us all, is that we more fre-
quently experience our lives as part of the living and moving body of Christ because it is our reality as Chris- tians, called and gath- ered by the Spirit. I have been transformed by this gift of looking into their eyes. Now my eyes have been opened in a new way to the miracle of Christ’s presence among us every day.
Author bio: Lang, Perkasie, Pa., is an ELCA pastor who serves ecumenically as a retreat facilitator,
leadership coach and church con- sultant (
www.revwriter.com).
May 2014 23
By Susan M. Lang
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