Submitted by Andy Nodine
The phrase one bread, one body, takes on concrete and very special meaning when you become a Home Eucharistic Minister (HEM) and take communion to members of our congregation who, for whatever reason, are unable to leave their homes. I have the privilege of taking communion to a member of our parish who is shut in because his body is suffering from the disabilities that come with old age. He is also functionally blind due to macular degeneration. Except for some meals, he is more or less confined to his small apartment, all alone. His mind is still sharp; however, his only diversion is listening to audio books, which he does for eight to ten hours a day. I have “adopted” him because, years ago, he and the now-deceased love of his life stepped forward and supported me during a very difficult time in my life. In a sense, I have him to thank him for my sanity and emotional well-being. So I repay that debt by taking communion to him every couple of weeks. I can’t tell you what a joy it is to see his face light up and feel his still-strong handshake each time I arrive. We usually spend about an hour sharing our life experiences and discussing the events of the day. And then, I open my little kit and my Prayer Book, and we share in the Body and Blood of Christ, bringing to reality the One Bread about which we sing and reveling in our membership, even if physically isolated, in the One Body.
I would ask you to think about people you know who are not able to join us on Sundays for worship, and to consider taking on the mantle of LEM for them. You will gain in joy far more than you give in time and gas.