This week’s why question has to do with Communion. Why is Communion important. In our tradition, Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.

There are three common titles used for Communion. Each describes a different aspect of the meal and its meaning.

The first is The Lord’s Supper. This title links this meal directly to a meal that was celebrated 2,000 years ago. The Lord’s supper is about Jesus’ table. The title calls us to remember that this table is the Lord’s table and not our table. So, we can’t say this meal is only for church members or for those who meet certain standards. This meal is for anyone who wants to draw closer to the Lord for whatever reason. In the Lord’s Supper, we are remembering that God’s grace and forgiveness are available to anyone. Everyone is welcome to the Lord’s table.

The second word used is Eucharist. It is a Greek word that means to give thanks. Many of the gospels’ stories happen around a meal. Jesus fed the 4,000 and the 5,000. He broke bread with tax collectors and sinners. He broke bread with his disciples. Every time we read about Jesus breaking bread it says, “He gave thanks.”