Since our physical time in church is limited, we must put extra energy into developing the muscle memories of faith practice in community. Just as the practiced archer stretches back an arm toward her quiver without thinking, we want habits of worship to be automatic and meaningful. For this to occur, we must first break down the shape of our rituals so that understanding forms. For children, indeed for most of us, all “whats” need “whys.”
What do we want our children to do? When you approach the pastor for communion, make a little open boat with your hands. You make a manger for the body of Christ, the bread, to lie in as the pastor tells you that this is for you. When we come to communion, at best, we are thinking about the manger where the infant Jesus, God in the flesh, was laid. We are holding the truth that this was for us and for all people. We are aware that we do not grasp Christ for ourselves, but that his body and blood are given to us by grace – not by our own reaching or clasping.
This message is excerpted from “Take aim” by Julia Seymour in the May 2019 Gather magazine.
Copyright © 2024 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected].