Embodiment
“Eat this
bread. Drink this wine. This is my body. This is my blood.”
Every Sunday we
hear these and similar words at Communion as I read the Institution
Narrative and the epiclesis. Every Sunday bread and wine are
substantially changed as they are infused with the real presence of
Jesus Christ. Every Sunday these creatures of bread and wine become
holy gifts for holy people, the bread of life and the cup of
salvation. And every Sunday we are fed and nourished by our Lord
through the sacrifice he made.
In partaking of
that holy meal we are also infused with the real presence of Jesus
Christ. In partaking of that holy meal we are also substantially
changed.
This is one
aspect of embodiment; that we feed on him who died for us and,
through that feeding, become embodied with the presence of Christ.
But there is
another aspect to the embodiment of Christ, and that is our sharing
in the totality of his life. We share in not only his life, but his
baptism, his ministry, his death, and his resurrection. And this may
be the most difficult part of embodiment – to embody Christ in our
daily lives. To live our lives respecting the dignity of every human
being. To seek and serve Christ in all people. To recognize
differences yet respect and honor the image of God in all people. To
walk daily in the footsteps of Christ. To live a life of
discipleship in a way that embodies Christ always. This is the hard
work of embodiment. This is the hard work of discipleship.
It's hard work,
but it is worth it in so many ways.
How are you the
embodiment of Christ in the world around you?
Alleluia!
Christ is risen!
Blessings,
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