“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” –John 17: 20, 21 (NRSV)

World Communion Sunday (October 2) is celebrated by Christians throughout the world, spanning many denominations. It recognizes our common ground as those who gather around the table to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Although we celebrate in different languages, and have different customs, it is the fervent wish of Jesus Christ that all his people should be one, as one in heart and mind as the Trinity is.
According to Bishop Kenneth Carder, “We all hunger for an identity not dependent upon the fleeting values of this world. At the Lord’s Table we learn who we are and whose we are. We belong to the One who invites us, the One whose Table it is. At the Table, we know that we have been created in the image of God, redeemed in Jesus Christ, forgiven and reconciled. Here at this Table, the least and most vulnerable are honored guests. Here former scorned and dishonest tax collectors, such as Levi, and women from the streets celebrate with abandon a new life. Here at this Table returning prodigals get new clothes of respectability, a new ring of dignity, and feast at the Father’s banquet. Here we are somebody! We are beloved, forgiven sons and daughters of God; and it is all a gift! . . . In the Eucharist, we not only claim our new identity, but we also claim our place in a new community. The Lord’s Table is our family dinner. In Christ we have been made part of a new family. Around Christ’s Table, ‘There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male and female; for all are one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).” [Presented at "This Holy Mystery: Teaching the Sacrament—Improving Our Practice," which was held April 26-28, 2005, in Nashville, Tennessee.]
I love that we have an open table, in which all are welcome to come, old and young, member and stranger. Our criterion is that “all are seeking to follow in the way of Christ are welcome at his table.” I especially appreciate the witness of our children at the table, who may not understand the full mystery of the Sacrament (but then, who does?), but who understand what it means to be included. May we all understand and appreciate the invitation to be part of the family, here and everywhere.

Our Churches are Like Big Families

Lord, we thank you that our churches are like big
families.
Lord, let your spirit of reconciliation blow over all
the earth.
Let Christians live your love.
Lord, we praise you in Europe’s cathedrals, in
America’s offerings,
And in our African songs of praise.
Lord, we thank you that we have brothers and sisters
in all the world.
Be with them that make peace.
Amen.
–a prayer of West Africa, from An African Prayer Book, ed. Desmond Tutu, 1995