The Open Table Matthew 26:1-6
“Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘drink from this, all of you.”
Matthew 26:27
February 25, 2020
When Jesus prepares the table, all are welcome. Notice when Jesus lifted the cup symbolizing his blood that will be shed for the forgiveness of sins, there was no qualification. There was no dress code; no status related to where someone was sitting. The best seat in the house was simply a seat at the table! When Jesus raised a loaf of bread and broke it, then offered the raised cup of wine to those seated, it was an open invitation, no strings attached, no “action required,” except to confess who we are and our desire to turn back to God while seeking a closer relationship with God and with “neighbor.” Jesus offers grace in his invitation, a love that transcends rank, socio-economic status, deeds performed, or any other human conceived category. The holy food that Jesus offers us and the world cleanses the soul and nourishes faith. It is a free gift to us; bought and paid for through the cross by Jesus. Grace, “the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God,” surrounds us always and is served to us; all we need to do is accept it, consume it, and live it. Just as eating affects our health depending what we ingest, accepting the spiritual food prepared by God through Jesus Christ for us profoundly affects our spiritual health, which is eternal, “for this mortal body must put on immortality,” (I Corinthians 15:53) and that can only occur when we accept the holy food that is Jesus the Christ. The grace offered at the Table of the Lord is a precious and eternal gift that is available to all, because all are welcome, all means all and that includes you, especially you. You are loved far too much not to be included at the heavenly banquet we call “Holy Communion.” The Lord’s Table is open to you; is your heart open to our Lord’s transforming grace offered? Thank you Jesus for the gift of life, life eternal.
Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor
Fields United Methodist Church
If you would like a visit or would just like to talk, please let me know. Please
call or text me at 330-416-1817, call the church office at 440-327-8753, or email me at
fieldsumcpastor@gmail.com. As always, I am available to pray anytime, just give me a call. I
am here for you and honored to be your pastor. God is good all the time!
Please join us on Sunday on our webpage:
www.fieldsumc.org (click livestream)
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/fieldsunitedmethodistchurch, or
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/fieldsumc/videos.
The ministry of Jesus Christ continues though Fields especially during this time. If you are able to give, here are a few options:
Online: www.fieldsumc.org tap “giving”
Text: 440-319-3537
Mail: Fields United Methodist Church
34077 Lorain Rd.
North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.
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