“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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 17:21

“Don’t forget, I have another appointment.” And as strange as it may sound, even after 45 years of being married, the first initial impact of that statement from my wife, over the phone, after work, hits an empty hole somewhere inside me. While it may be hard to explain or understand, the fact that it is there cannot be denied. I believe it’s supposed to be that way.

Monday through Friday is typically spent with us being separated most of the day. Katie goes to work about 8am and gets home about 4pm. I’m in and out all day myself, but most often, I make sure I’m home to be there when she gets home. And while it’s not like a gushy, sappy, teenage kind of feeling, it is still an anticipation. When I get that call, my mood is never a natural YIPPIEE!!!!

Today is Maundy Thursday. The day Christians typically celebrate the change in the Passover celebration. The one where Jesus instituted Holy Communion with His Disciples. It was there that He gave them information of another appointment He had to keep… that He wouldn’t personally be around much longer. So He gave them something to remember Him by. Holy Communion.

The breakup of the original 12 into a worldwide movement lasting 2000 years was intentional. The invitation was meant to be intimate… something to look forward to. To the world it may seem strange, but that was intentional as well. The call was to come join Him and be His. And while the price to join was covered, the invitee was still required to show up and join in. It still is.

While it is clear that ‘The Church’ has multiplied around the globe to millions, it is also clear that the enemy has used division as ‘his’ weapon of choice to counteract Jesus’ unique invitation. Whether by COVID or personal disagreement, the result is the same. To keep people from coming together as ‘the people of God where God resides.’ And it is, as always, a choice.

I look forward to Holy Communion tonight as a symbol of a future reality, when Jesus Christ and ALL believers will unite in reality and never be separated again. To get a glimpse of that future scene only encourages me more. Ask anyone who has lost their significant other, “what would you do or pay for even an hour reunion,” and you will discover the importance of Communion.

Are YOU in Him and is He in you? Are you looking forward to the reunion?