October 16

This do in remembrance of Me. Luke 22:19.

What should incite us to receive the Sacrament frequently? With respect to God both the command and the promise of Christ, our Lord, should move us; with respect to ourselves, the trouble that lies heavily upon us, on account of which such command, encouragement, and promise are given. The early Christians celebrated Communion at every service, because the Lord said: "This do." The disciples knew that the Sacrament thus instituted was to be observed to the Last Day; for St. Paul says: "As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come." "This do" was not spoken to Christ's disciples at Jerusalem only, but to Christians in all ages. Christ gave His Holy Supper for every believer until the end of time, when He will appear in heavenly glory and majesty.

In this respect, however, very many fail. What disagreeable task is it not considered by many to go to Communion! How often do they not put it off without a valid reason! Every Christian ought to remember that Christ gave us this Sacrament to use it, and that it is indeed a most precious means of grace. That would induce him to partake of it frequently for the strengthening of his faith. In his preface to the Small Catechism Luther says: "If a person does not seek or desire the Lord's Supper at least some four times a year, it is to be feared that he despises the Sacrament and is not a Christian." Weighed in this balance, what shall we say of our Communion table? How many times a year do you go to the Lord's Supper? Do you partake of it

often! It will not do to say: I can be just as good a Christian if I do not commune often; for there is the Lord's command, "This do." Therefore you should use the Sacrament frequently. A Christian must consider it both his duty and a privilege to use it.

Nothing ought to keep us away from the Lord's Table. We should be prompted by Christ's command and promise and by the trouble that lies heavily upon us to appear there frequently. Let us ever cherish the Holy Supper as a treasure of inestimably greater value than anything this world can offer us.

Prayer.

O dearest Jesus, in the Holy Supper Thou didst establish a memorial of Thy wonderful gifts. This Sacrament shall therefore ever be to me a memorial of Thy love and mercy. As oft as I shall eat of this bread and drink of this cup, I will proclaim Thy death and tell in thankful strains what Thou hast done for me. He who but seldom appears at this Table thereby proves that he does not value Thy institution very highly. But he who receives this Supper often and in true faith shows that he cherishes it as a great treasure. O my dearest Redeemer, let me ever be found in the number of these! Amen.

Oh, let Thy Table honored be And furnished well with joyful guests; And may each soul salvation see That here its sacred pledges tastes.