September 24th, 2013 Commentary on Henri Nouwen's Daily Meditation

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Daily-Meditation--Baptism-and-Eucharist.html?soid=1011221485028&aid=j-VLLNUEs0U

In case the above link to Henri Nouwen’s Daily Meditation doesn’t work:

Tuesday September 24, 2013 

Baptism and Eucharist

Sacraments are very specific events in which God touches us through creation and transforms us into living Christs.  The two main sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist.  In baptism water is the way to transformation.  In the Eucharist it is bread and wine.  The most ordinary things in life - water, bread, and wine - become the sacred way by which God comes to us.

These sacraments are actual events.  Water, bread, and wine are not simple reminders of God's love;  they bring God to us.  In baptism we are set free from the slavery of sin and dressed with Christ.  In the Eucharist, Christ himself becomes our food and drink.

My Commentary:

There are some very universal things Father Nouwen says here that as a Lutheran you can connect to.  Baptism and Holy Communion are not only a means of God coming to us but we understand them as a means of GRACE.  Connecting the sacraments with the Word brings to life within us that transforming process.  It is not only the transformation of the elements themselves but of our hearts turning in faith upon the reception, spiritual connection to GRACE.

Starting last night and going most gloriously for the majority of this week; I will be attending a retreat for the Society of the Holy Trinity.  This is a wonderful ministerium that connects all Lutherans through fellowship, prayer and worship.  Today there will be many opportunities to hear the Word, to truly experience the “Why” of worship and to connect with others, whose faith sings boldly of the GRACE of God working within their lives and ministries.

Getting back to that personal sacramental moment with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper… Water is the fluid of life, it is ever moving, ever changing and being made clean by these waters spiritually does free us from the bondage of sin.  Our lives commission living in the light of GRACE is a reconciling, rejuvenating journey.  The Lord’s Supper feeds us the unconditional Love of God through Jesus.  In Jesus, we reconcile ourselves to respond in obedience to God’s GRACE.  With Jesus building the foundation of love and GRACE in our hearts; we go forth in the world to be the love of God to our neighbor. Under the foot of the Cross, which this meal humbly reminds us, we surrender through transformation to be servant leaders in the name of the one who defeated sin, death and the devil—Jesus Christ.

God Bless Your Tuesdays!  (I know mine has already been greatly Blessed!)

Nicole Collins