讀經:哥林多前書第十一章

默想:「人應當省察,然後吃這餅、喝這杯。因為人吃喝,若不分辨是主的身體,就是吃喝自己的罪了」(林前11:28-29)。

默想一:基督徒恭守聖餐的意義是什麼?餅的擘開表明基督身體的破碎;葡萄汁的倒出表明基督的所流出的寶血。除了記念主耶穌為我們的罪在十字架上所成就的,也反省我們現在的行事為人是否與蒙召的恩相稱,並立志為主的再來儆醒等候。我們當善用機會作主工,作神忠心又良善的好管家。

默想二:恭守聖餐前『應當省察』什麼?就是省察自己有沒有虧欠主、虧欠人的地方。省察與神的關係很重要,但也不能忽略省察與人的關係。我們在聖餐裡領受餅、杯的動作,乃是象徵信徒聯合於基督,表明我們同屬於「基督的身體」,與祂同葬、同死、同復活。但我們在基督的肢體裡有確實的相愛、在靈裡彼此合一嗎?

禱告:天父上帝,感謝袮在基督裡為我們的過去、現在、將來所作的。求袮的聖靈光照我,不僅藉著守聖餐省察自己,我願在平時的生活裡求聖靈時刻充滿,並在袮聖潔的光中敬虔度日。奉耶穌基督的名禱告,阿們!

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 11.

Insight:  “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.” (1Co 11:28-29)

Insight one: What is the meaning for Christians to partake the Holy Communion? The breaking of the bread proclaims the breaking of Christ’s body; the pouring of grape juice proclaims the shedding of the blood of Christ. In addition to remembering what the Lord Jesus accomplished on the cross for our sins, we also ponder whether we are living a life worthy of the calling we have received, and are determined to watch and wait for the Lord’s return. We should make good use of any opportunity to do Lord’s work, and be God faithful and good servants.

Insight two: Before taking the Holy Communion, what should we examine ourselves?  It is to examine whether we have owed the Lord or owed other people. To examine the relationship we have with God is important, but to examine the relationships with others should not be overlooked also. The action of taking bread and cup in the Communion symbolizes the unity with Christ. It signifies that we belong to the “body of Christ” and are buried, died, and raised with Him. But do we really love one another as members of one body in Christ and cling to one another in spirit?

Prayer: God heavenly Father, Thank You for what You have done in Christ for our past, present, and future. May the Holy Spirit shine on me, not only examine myself during Holy Communion, but also seek the Holy Spirit to fill in me every moment in my daily life, and live a godly life in Your glorious light of holiness. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Chinese