Remembering With GodVoorbeeld

Remembering Jesus’ Presence

As we remember Jesus in the Gospels, we encounter his hospitality of presence. We remember Jesus sharing meals, the life blood of the communities in that culture, with people who could not advance an agenda or contribute to a campaign.

Jesus’ hospitality of presence creates an infinite, even eternal, loop. Whenever we sit down to bread and wine together, or when we see others across the row or around the circle in our faith communities who are about to reenter an ancient memory, we know we are not alone either in the present or in the sweeping arc of history.

The crimson liquid in the cup reminds us of an execution of an innocent man at the hands of a panicked empire that knew Jesus was too free to be allowed to live. He invites us to “be with” him, to be like him and walk as sweaty miracles in this world (John 14:12). It is a beautiful reality that begins with the hospitality of presence.

Give some thought today to the fact that the bread and juice of communion are symbols that put us at the same table as Christians throughout history. Today, realize that the way your memories shape you to live in the world are actually a way of invitation to others. What would change in this day if you lived out your story of invitation in the various tasks you get to complete today?

From The Practice of Remembering by Casey Tygrett