CORINTH

-Sermon Notes-

(October 4, 2026)

 

“Conduits of Holy Current” (World Communion Sunday)

(Isaiah 25:6-9, Galatians 3:23-29, John 6:25-35)

     Today is World Communion Sunday, which began back in 1933 as a way for churches of all denominations to celebrate this sacrament together.  There are many ways to define what Holy Communion means to us; today I would like to offer the image of a conduit.  Much like electricity, water, air and other elements are transported through conduits, I believe among many, there are three gifts offered to us through the sacrament of communion.

1. HOPE.  As our reading from Isaiah indicates, God’s abundant blessing is symbolized by a feast.  In this blessing, we find a promise from God to defeat the shroud of death, literal human death, but also other forms of death (whatever we mourn in life.)  In this passage we are reminded that thanks be unto God, the worst thing is never the last thing.  In Jesus’ words offered in that first supper, he spoke of a new covenant; a new way to be in relationship with God through Jesus’ birth, teachings, death and resurrection.  Because of this new covenant, we experience hope which is expressed through holy communion.

2. UNITY.  In the Galatians passage, Paul addresses false teaching offered by those in the church who demanded a continuing adherence to the Mosaic Law, that it was through the Law people found righteousness.  Paul taught that it is through faith alone in Christ that righteousness is found.  And in that faith we have unity.  “There is no longer Jew, Greek, slave or free, male or female; all are one in Christ Jesus.”  And in the same way, in the United Methodist Church, all are invited to partake in Holy Communion.  By sharing together, we celebrate our unity as God’s children.

3. AUTHENTICITY.  From the John reading, we are reminded of Jesus’ conversation with people who are curious about him, having learned of his miracle feeding thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.  The people are looking for the real thing, citing the experience of their ancestors in the wilderness when God provided them with manna.  Jesus the referred to him not merely as temporary bread, but the authentic Bread of Life.  What do we chase and desire today that is temporary?  In communion, we are reminded of the authentic love, peace, assurance that is offered to us in relationship with Christ.

In closing, the word sacrament is Latin for pledge.With the sacrament of communion, we not only embrace the gifts of hope, unity and authenticity, we pledge ourselves to be conduits of God’s holy presence, made known to us through these three special gifts.