Martin Copenhaver: Do This in Remembrance

"When Jesus had given thanks, he broke the bread, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:24

Last month I came across a little notebook with grease-splattered pages about the size of large index cards. On each card is a recipe, written in my mother's warm, yet tidy, handwriting. My mother died almost twenty years ago, so coming across this notebook was a bit like finding hidden treasure, but with a huge helping of poignancy.

This notebook contains all of my mother's go-to recipes-Spaghetti Loaf Casserole, Cheese Souffle Sandwiches, Forgotten Cookies (I should skip the devotional and just give you the recipe for this one-perhaps another time).

This was definitely cooking from another era. Recipes include a lot of canned mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cream, and butter by the tub. Jello is well-represented. And tiny marshmallows, as well.

Just reading the recipes was enough to unlock memories, but I longed for something more. So one summer afternoon I made my mother's Dill Stroganoff. Normally, I would cut down the amount of sour cream used, but this time I wanted to make it just as my mother had.

When we sat down to eat, the stroganoff was just as I remembered it. The aromas and tastes were transporting. And the stories flowed. It was almost as if my mother were there with us.

The power in Communion is so much more than the power of memory. But when Jesus referred to a common meal and said, "Do this in remembrance of me," at the very least, he meant something like this. 

Prayer

Jesus, bless this meal that we are about to share with you. Bless us with your presence.

From UCC's StillSpeaking Devotionals. Visit UCC.org