Communion Mediation-Trinitarian Love

We have mentioned many times that one of the central aspects of communion is the communal aspect. A communion of saints is a body of saints that commune. We even have a word with mostly a negative connotation nowdays that describes a group of people who gather to live together. We call it a commune.

Often times, communes are places where the desires of the one leader are expressed and carried out, sometimes with scary results. The problem there, especially if it is an attempt at a Christian commune, is that the people lose sight of the way in which God is declared and expressed.

God is trinity in unity. We are to express that character here in our lives together, in communion, in our commune, if you will. But that expression is not in everybody trying to be the same, or in everybody trying to do exactly what one earthly leader demands. The body of Christ should be a community expressive of diversity in union.

This means that part of what we celebrate here is all the differences that are among us. We want those differences, different personalities, different gifts, different perspectives. But we do not want those differences to drive us apart. We need to rejoice in them and submit all of them to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is our common interest and the One who gathers our diverse persons into one new man, Christian, and one new expression of life together, the Church.

I say this so that you can learn to look at our differences differently. As long as the differences bother you, then they will simply be reasons to separate, not congregate. But we are the congregation of the Lord. Do not be bothered by our differences but enjoy them. Do not expect everyone to be just like you but be glad that they are not. It is only when we see this and rejoice in it that we can truly express the nature of God and stand in a unity of spirit and a bond of peace.

And when you come to this table, you need to understand that Jesus is welcoming you and your neighbor and your quirkies and his, too. And that as long as Jesus receives Him this way, so should you. This is no apologetic for sin. We must confess and repent. But it is a great message of comfort for sinners, for they are the only ones that are invited to eat here with Jesus. So, come, one and all as all and one.