Doubly Blessed

Last week our church observed Communion. Because of health issues, I was unable to go forward to receive the sacrament. One of the ushers noticed my problem and asked if I would like for the servers to bring the bread and cup to me, but I was reluctant. However, when they brought the elements to a woman in the row behind me, my friend motioned for them to serve me as well. I was humbled by this unexpected hospitality.

The server holding the loaf bent over and softly said, “The Body of Christ broken for you,” as she placed a small piece of bread in my palm. Her companion leaned over and held the cup out to me so I could dip the bread in it. In a soft voice he said, “The Blood of Christ shed for you.”

I had heard both these phrases spoken dozens of times before, but this time they reached through all my mental clutter and touched me on a deeply personal level. Two of God’s servants answered the call of someone in need without fanfare or hesitation. So I was doubly blessed — by the sacrament itself and by their loving outreach to me. In that moment they exemplified what it means to be part of the body of Christ.