Hearing the words anew

Today was another first in my journey to becoming a real pastor. I went with the pastor of my church to deliver communion so some shut-ins from the church.

As we sat there in the day room of a local nursing home, the pastor began the words of institution, "In the night in which he was betrayed . . ." It was hardly what one might consider "ideal" setting for a communion service. Maury Povich was blaring in my right ear. It was turned up to a very high level so that everyone could hear. In addition to Maury (who I think was conducting one of his famous "you are my baby's father, now pay up you deadbeat" shows) there was also the babble coming from another resident about 15 feet away.

However, cutting through all of this racket came the clear command, "Do this in remembrance of me." You know, especially since coming to seminary, I have heard those words many, many times. Today they were different. I could see the impact that they were having on the face of the woman that we were visiting. She was moved to tears. I could feel the tears beginning to well up inside of me as well.

It never ceases to amaze me the way that God can speak so clearly, even through words that I have heard a thousand times before.