bluidkiti
08-13-2015, 12:18 PM
John 6:50-58 (http://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/default.aspx#verses)
My daughter is three. Recently she asked me, "Mom, is Jesus real or pretend?" I said, "Jesus is real, we just can't see him all the time." She responded with the classic, "Why?" So I said, "Well, he doesn't walk around like we do, but he does live in our hearts." My daughter was quiet for a while. Then she put her hands on her chest. When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "I am trying to feel Jesus in my heart but I can't, so I think he must be in my tummy."
In light of today's gospel what she said makes sense. Jesus gives himself to us fully in communion. When we receive the bread and wine, we swallow a tangible promise—that we abide with Jesus and that he abides within us. That promise enters our bodies and literally becomes a part of us.
God of wonders, you have promised to be with us in all things. Help us to trust that we carry that promise within us—in our hearts, hands, feet, eyes, ears and even in our tummies. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun
My daughter is three. Recently she asked me, "Mom, is Jesus real or pretend?" I said, "Jesus is real, we just can't see him all the time." She responded with the classic, "Why?" So I said, "Well, he doesn't walk around like we do, but he does live in our hearts." My daughter was quiet for a while. Then she put her hands on her chest. When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "I am trying to feel Jesus in my heart but I can't, so I think he must be in my tummy."
In light of today's gospel what she said makes sense. Jesus gives himself to us fully in communion. When we receive the bread and wine, we swallow a tangible promise—that we abide with Jesus and that he abides within us. That promise enters our bodies and literally becomes a part of us.
God of wonders, you have promised to be with us in all things. Help us to trust that we carry that promise within us—in our hearts, hands, feet, eyes, ears and even in our tummies. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun