September 2018

I have written a series of easily understandable articles for many months, continuing in the September newsletter, to explain Methodism through my ministerial experiences and theologies.

This month, I wrote a short article about Holy Communion based on Methodist theology. I hope these articles will help you better understand Methodism as it pertains to Holy Communion and confirm and develop your faithful identification as a Methodist.

Any questions and thoughts for the pastors about Methodism and the article are welcome!

Q) What Is the Meaning of Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church?

The second sacrament is Holy Communion. Where baptism represents the outward sign of an inward cleansing and initiates us into the body of Christ, Holy Communion is the continuous sacramental relationship with Christ through the table. Holy Communion, like baptism, is an “act of worship” and a means of grace. Through Holy Communion, we “open ourselves to the divine love that’s already there.” It is an experience of God’s love, and for us, it is thanksgiving to God for what God has done for us. It is an act of worship, an act of participation, and an act of remembrance.

Through Holy Communion, we worship God with thanksgiving and participate in God’s family meal, across the ages and the world, as we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through the breaking of the bread, we remember Jesus’ body that was broken for us. Through the wine, we remember Jesus’ blood that was shed for us. In all, we remember Jesus’ death on the cross as the atonement of humankind.

Holy Communion is not only remembering that Jesus died for us, it is also remembering Christ died, was raised, and then ascended into heaven. We celebrate the victory of Jesus’ resurrection within the presence of Jesus. Finally, Holy Communion is the time to remember that Jesus will come again. The promise of Jesus’ coming gives us assurance and hope that sin and death will be defeated. Through Holy Communion, we have a foretaste of the final victory.

United Methodists consider the sacraments to be holy. Baptism and Holy Communion have great importance in terms of United Methodist theology and also in practical ministry.

Blessings,

Pastor Kook Ho