Martin Luther encourages us through the Large Catechism, part five to partake of the Sacrament of Holy Communion as often as possible, writing " in short, the less you feel your sins and infirmities, the more reason have you to go to the Sacrament to seek help and a remedy." That says something to those of us who might reason "We don't need to do this every week" or to suppose that something of the majesty and mystery are removed when we observe the Sacrament each week.

Luther later warns of the activities of Satan in the world, noting that the Scriptures call Satan a liar and murderer. "A liar, to lead the heart astray from the Word of God, and to blind it, that you cannot feel your distress or come to Christ, a murderer, who cannot bear to see you live one single hour. If you could see how many knives, darts, and arrows are every moment aimed at you, you would be glad to come to the Sacrament as often as possible."

The Bible talks about disciples of Christ meeting on the first day of the week to break bread and to teach and pray. From its very inception, the church of Christ celebrated Holy Communion every time they met. I would hazard a guess that the early Christians would see little point in gathering without celebrating the Eucharist. Omission of Holy Communion came along much later in church history.

What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true Body and true Blood of Jesus. It is the power of God to forgive your sins, and strengthen your Faith. It is a treasure bestowed upon us by our Father who loves us.

Jesus commanded "do this, in remembrance of me." Examine your heart. Do you desire the very best that the Son of God has to offer you, or does the Liturgy of the Sacrament, the eating and sharing of His very body and blood, take too much time from your busy Sunday?

Because of Christ,