United Church of Pittsford

Mark 14:12-16; 22-26

Family dinners are significant occasions in our lives.  Each of us can remember such family gatherings; a meal shared and conversations enjoyed.  And those gatherings – often – are remembered because of a certain menu:  for Marian and me:
with Uncle Ralph and Aunt Frances – stuffed pork chops
with Uncle Donald and Aunt Viola – Spanish rice and a pineapple ring with cottage cheese on a lettuce leaf on a salad plate,
with my older Sister – escalloped potatoes and ham.

Other times, a meal is remembered for its occasion:
birthday – holiday – departure/farewell – family reunion...
(how well we remember a meal on an evening in April 1974 with three Filipino colleagues, our last meal together in Manila as we, along with our three children, were leaving the Philippines the next morning – after nine years there – to return to the states.

The Holy Communion is a family meal for Christians.  And, today, especially, we remember that it is a family meal for Christians world-wide.   One United Methodist theologian, Will Willimon, writing on the Lord’s Supper, titled his book:  ‘Sunday Dinner”!

As a family of faith, we gather at the Table – for another Sunday dinner!

The menu reminds us of the place and the occasion:
Upper Room
Passover Meal
Bread – blessed and broken
Cup – blessed and shared – poured out

In the chapters preceding our Scripture from Mark’s Gospel, the Disciples have been out and about with Jesus who is doing a lot of teaching and preaching – some of the content not too pleasant to the ears of the religious leaders of the day – the Scribes and Pharisees.

The two verses immediately prior to the text from today’s Gospel reading tell of Judas striking a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus.

But now they gather to celebrate the Passover – a meal they most probably had celebrated together on previous occasions.

Jesus – and his disciples – this family of faith – together in an Upper Room.

The Passover meal commences, and proceeds, following the age old traditional liturgy – but then during the meal, there is an abrupt and troubling departure – something like a ‘whip-lash’.

Jesus speaks these strange words as he takes the Bread:
take – eat – this is my body broken for you
and as he takes the Cup:
drink from it, all of you – for this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many.

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE  (they must think) – THIS ISN’T A PART OF THE TRADITIONAL PASSOVER LITURGY – WHAT’S HAPPENING – WHAT’S HE TALKING ABOUT?

Their pastor is deviating from tradition – he’s introducing something new!

What words might we use in an attempt to describe the disciples’ feelings and thoughts at this time?
EAT, DRINK, AND BE...

worried,
bewildered,
angered,
dismayed,
confused,
oblivious (to what is really happening here),
apprehensive,
excited,
nervous,
conflicted

As you place yourself (as best you can) into this story – and as you hear these jolting words – about body broken, about blood shed
what words do you add?   EAT, DRINK, AND BE...

But now, for us here this morning, as we (once again) come to the Holy Meal, as we reflect on previous Holy Meals, as we gather as Christ’s family in this way and at this time...

What words do we use to complete the sentence:

EAT, DRINK, AND BE...

Might they include:
filled,
comforted,
strengthened,
loved,
nourished,
joyful,
cleansed,
refreshed,
amazed,
happy,
wondering.

Perhaps:
inspired,
challenged,

Let me suggest another:

EAT, DRINK, AND BE...
ONE WHO REMEMBERS THE GIFT OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST AND BE THANKFUL!

We can eat this meal for renewal of faith, for strength and filling now, we eat this meal (also) in eager anticipation of the GREAT HEAVENLY BANQUET

remember Jesus’ words:

“I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it NEW WITH YOU in my Father’s Kingdom.”

We anticipate the time – the occasion – the place – when we and others of this world-wide family of faith – those who have gone before us and those who will come after us – are gathered with the Host at the Great Heavenly Banquet.

This Holy Meal – is a source of present strength, comfort and peace.
This Holy Meal – is also an anticipation of a future gathering and meal.

A woman, preparing for her death, met with her pastor, her family and her funeral director.  Among her requests was this one:
'I want a fork put in my casket with me'.

Substantially surprised, they asked:  'Why a fork?'

And her reply:
'Because I’ve been to a lot of church suppers, and when the meal is over and we wait for dessert – and when they take the fork along with the plate, I know we are getting just a cookie or a brownie.  But when they say "Keep your fork" – I know – the best is yet to come – pie or cake! So when I die, I know the best is yet to come – so please bury a fork with me.'

So today, we come (once again) to the table – and significantly today – World-wide Communion Sunday – when we join with our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world (as the choir will sing in a moment:  ‘Now we who are many will meet as one…(for)  to all His love is given’…)

We gather at the Table of our Lord to eat, to drink, and to be...(you fill in the blank)

And we keep our fork – knowing that even though it’s pretty good here and now – through Jesus Christ – our Host –

...THE BEST IS YET TO COME!