Breaking Through the Boundaries
The sacrament of the Eucharist, as the sacrament of the presence of Christ among and within us, has the unique power to unite us into one body, irrespective of age, color, race or gender, emotional condition, economic status, or social background. The Eucharist breaks through all these boundaries and creates the one body of Christ, living in the world as a vibrant sign of unity and community. Jesus prays fervently to his Father, “May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me” (John 17:21). The Eucharist is the sacrament of this divine unity lived out among all people.
—Henri Nouwen,
Bread for the Journey
Jesus prays, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.” This longing for unity lies at the very heart of Christ’s mission—and it finds visible, tangible expression in the Eucharist (also called the Lord’s Supper or Communion). When we come to the table, we do not come as isolated individuals, but as one body, drawn together by the body and blood of Jesus. This is more than a remembrance; it is a living participation in the divine life of Christ, who draws us into communion with God and with one another. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we proclaim not only Christ’s death and resurrection, but also the reality that we belong to each other. And what a blessed reminder this is in a divided world: the Eucharist stands as a sacrament of unity—a holy moment where barriers fall, hearts are reconciled, and the prayer of Jesus begins to be fulfilled in us. Let’s come to the table … and then go forward, living out that unity in Christ’s love! —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics