The Small Catechism – part 222
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 8:14
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion
What is Holy Communion?
Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and drink, as it was instituted by Christ himself.
Pulling It Together: One wonders if John Mark wrote this verse with tongue in cheek, or if Peter had told him the story with a wry tone at the memory. The disciples were worried about bread for their bellies, while they had the One Loaf to share as they sailed.
I write this in week three of social distancing because of the coronavirus. At times like this, we see how much we are like those disciples of old. We may be more concerned for our bellies than they were. Reports of empty grocery store shelves permeate the social media feeds. Whether they are actually empty or not, it shows our ever-present worry over food. The last time I was at the biggest grocery in town, they had scads of bread. It was all of one brand and kind — evidently the one that no one likes — but there were many loaves nonetheless.
So, here I sit “in my boat” with the One Loaf to share with my wife — and with you. It is not the loaf I purchased from the grocer but “food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27).
Prayer: Break the Bread of Life with me, Lord, as you did with your disciples. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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