In recent months we have seen headlines about how some have used the Eucharist to promote their own political and social agendas, by denying access if you believed this way or that way.  We have seen one faith group deny a young girl access to her first Communion, because she had life threatening allergies that meant should not eat "their" bread.

One of the great quests of those who seek religious artifacts is what has been described as the "Holy Grail" - - the cup from which Jesus shared the Seder meal in the Upper Room in the final days before his crucifixion.   Several groups have claimed to have it.  One has it locked up, they say, and only one person gets to look at it once a year.

In reality all of us are seeking the "Holy Grail". We find it in different ways - - each in its own time - - each in our own response to the quest of the Holy One!

If everyone claims ownership in the "Holy Grail" then - -

Just whose cup is it, anyway?

It began so very grace filled - -

"Take this bread - - take this cup.......

As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me."

It seems that ever since Jesus uttered those words that the church has laid claim to this celebrative meal of grace.

The church has established all kinds of rules and regulations and then declared them sacred and infallible.  The church has kidnapped and perverted the meal of grace and restoration - -  in the name of God.

Well here we are at the beginning of what we call a millennium and century.  What will the church become in the next hundred or thousand years?

When our history is being written - - what will it say of how we lived out the command to take and eat, take and drink - - in remembrance of the one who offered up himself?

Will we be "law" filled or "grace" filled?

God grant that we lead with a grace-filled access to all that is Holy!



A Jim Lane Commentary
September 17, 2004