The Power of a Memory
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
—1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Has it ever happened to you? You walk into a room and suddenly the sight, smell, or feel of that room transports you thousands of miles to your grandmother’s house? In an instant you are 10 again. It is so real that you could almost walk to the kitchen and grab a cookie. What you have just experienced is the power of a memory.
Our brains catalog, not just the sequence of events, but the sounds, sights, smells, tastes and touches of those events and places as well. And every time we come into contact with those senses again, our brain, quick as lightning, calls out the full memory of the last time (or first time) we experienced it.
Jesus, having had all things created through him (John 1:3) understood this when he instituted communion at the last supper. On the night before his crucifixion and atoning sacrifice, Jesus established a memory. Take this bread, feel it, smell it, hear the sound as it breaks, taste it; and every time you do, remember me. Remember this night, and what I am about to do for you. Drink this wine. Hear it slosh in the cup, see the deep crimson color, feel the smoothness of the cup, taste the bittersweet, and every time you do, remember me.
We are quickly approaching Holy Week, the time that we set apart each year to remember, and walk in the events that happened so long ago. It is the time when we remember our own exodus out of bondage to sin. I strongly encourage you to come to the church on Maundy Thursday*, April 1st at 6:00 p.m. and Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. when we as a congregation walk through the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Then rejoice with us Easter Sunday Morning as we celebrate the resurrection
*Maundy Thursday dinner is $5 per person, with a $20 family max. Call the Church office make your reservations. Childcare is available both nights.
—1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Has it ever happened to you? You walk into a room and suddenly the sight, smell, or feel of that room transports you thousands of miles to your grandmother’s house? In an instant you are 10 again. It is so real that you could almost walk to the kitchen and grab a cookie. What you have just experienced is the power of a memory.
Our brains catalog, not just the sequence of events, but the sounds, sights, smells, tastes and touches of those events and places as well. And every time we come into contact with those senses again, our brain, quick as lightning, calls out the full memory of the last time (or first time) we experienced it.
Jesus, having had all things created through him (John 1:3) understood this when he instituted communion at the last supper. On the night before his crucifixion and atoning sacrifice, Jesus established a memory. Take this bread, feel it, smell it, hear the sound as it breaks, taste it; and every time you do, remember me. Remember this night, and what I am about to do for you. Drink this wine. Hear it slosh in the cup, see the deep crimson color, feel the smoothness of the cup, taste the bittersweet, and every time you do, remember me.
We are quickly approaching Holy Week, the time that we set apart each year to remember, and walk in the events that happened so long ago. It is the time when we remember our own exodus out of bondage to sin. I strongly encourage you to come to the church on Maundy Thursday*, April 1st at 6:00 p.m. and Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. when we as a congregation walk through the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Then rejoice with us Easter Sunday Morning as we celebrate the resurrection
*Maundy Thursday dinner is $5 per person, with a $20 family max. Call the Church office make your reservations. Childcare is available both nights.