Yesterday was a full day in the kitchen, cooking and baking for the feast to come on Thursday. In addition to the the preparations for Thursday’s meal with family, there were also preparations being made for another family meal. It’s a meal we’ll partake of on Sunday with our church family.
Communion.
Our church congregation has a rotation of ladies who prepare the bread, and I’ve been eager to take a turn. Working on the bread yesterday wasn’t just another item on my baking list. As I mixed, rolled, and stamped the dough, I reflected on the meaning of communion, for Whom we partake it, and with whom we partake it.
The Latin word for bread is “PANIS”. It’s the word from which our words “company” and “companion” derive. Com- means “with”.
Company is anyone with whom we share a meal–breaking break–around the table. When we invite company into our homes, isn’t it most often to share a meal? Maybe not always, but usually. Maybe we just share coffee and a sweet morsel. A companion is one with whom we share life. It’s anyone we might live with (but not necessarily), work in ministry with, study the Word with, travel with, and just do life with on a regular basis. There will be many meals shared together in these relationships.
Tomorrow, our Thanksgiving meal will be a meaningful breaking of bread around the dinner table with our beloved families. We will give thanks to the One who has given us everything all year long. Sunday’s meal will be a reflective breaking of bread around the communion table with our church family–brothers and sisters adopted into the family of God–in remembrance of Christ and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us all.
“Then He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise, He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood which is shed for you.'” Luke 22:19-20
Given the Latin origin of these words “company” and “companion”, it just seems so fitting that on Sundays, we break bread–our PANIS— together with our Christian family, in sweet company and companionship, around the Lord’s table at HIS supper.
What a thoughtful post! We toured the Biblical History Center in LaGrange during Thanksgiving with both sets of grandparents. We learned a lot during the Passover meal they provided; the most special being that as you pass food from person to person, you should serve the person next to you and say “you do me honor”. That reminded me of a Bible study we took part in years ago at VP where the teacher stressed that we should be joyful in partaking in the Lord’s Supper. It’s a celebration, not a funeral. We should smile as we pass the emblems to one another. After all, we are in fellowship as we partake. Thanks for the reminder!
I have always wanted to go to that Biblical history center! Every time we had the opportunity with a group, a schedule conflict came up. I’ve heard it’s fantastic, and you’re description makes me want to go even more. Wow, sounds like you had a meaningful experience!
Love this!! I’m sure your bread will be a blessing to your congregation.
Thank you so much Rivers! And I love breaking bread with your sweet family every Wednesday evening. ❤️