Living the Eucharist

As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord during this Christmas season, we understand the coming of Jesus Christ is the defining moment of human history.  Jesus is not just one more fact in history, He is the decisive fact.  Our encounter with Him is an encounter like none other.  Jesus did not come into the world so that He could learn what it means to be human; He came into the world so that we could learn what God is like, and what he expects from us.

When Jesus returned to the Father He didn’t leave us.  The Holy Spirit, the same spirit that descended upon Jesus at His baptism descended upon the Apostles and remains with His Church, and with us today.  He also remains with us in the Holy Eucharist.  When we receive Communion we are receiving Jesus Himself in the most intimate of ways.  We take Him into ourselves and He becomes part of us and we become part of His body.

The gift of the communion we receive with Christ is not meant for us to keep; it is meant for us to live and share with others.  To help us explore and live this communion in and with Christ, Risen Savior is again participating in the Lenten series called “Living the Eucharist.”  Father Tim encourages every member of the parish to sign up and participate in one of the many small groups that will gather during Lent.  Those who participated last year are invited to come back:  the readings this year are new, following this year’s cycle of Sunday readings.  Those who didn’t participate last year are welcome to join this year – you aren’t behind those who have gathered before. 

Living the Eucharist is a minor commitment of time.  Groups meet for approximately 90 minutes a week for the six weeks of Lent.  There will be groups that meet on weekdays and weekends; mornings and evenings; here at Risen Savior and in individual homes.  Small groups will meet at a time and a place that will be convenient for everyone.

Lent begins in a few very short weeks.  There are sign-up forms in the Bulletin this week and they will be in the pews the first two weeks of January.  By signing up early we can make certain we order enough materials and are able to get you into the time slot that is most convenient for you.