Welcome to today’s reflection.
Today I reflect on returning to lead communion for the first time in three years, an unexpected encounter with God, and how even the smallest moments can remind us that we belong to something far greater than we can imagine.
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This week, I led a communion service for the first time in three years.
Three years ago, I reluctantly took early retirement due to ill health and, until a few months ago, had all but given up on the idea that I would ever lead from the front again. But thanks to the generosity of my vicar and an affirming congregation, here I was again standing in church before the communion table, nervous but excited.
It was a midweek communion service and five of us gathered around the table that morning. The modest number was a blessing, a chance to remember the choreography, whilst balancing the practical demands upon my mobility and health during the service. Of course, I stumbled a bit and forgot a few things, but that was not the biggest thing I will take away from this experience.
God showed up.
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Yes, I know, I should expect God to show up during a communion service, right?
But picture the scene before me. I was juggling books, wondering how long I should stand for, and feeling the emotions of being back after such a long time away. I was bristling with nervous energy and wanted it to be good for the people who came.
But then, in the middle of that activity, a pause. I slowed down for a moment and let my prayers flow rather than be read. Moments of silence. All of a sudden, I stopped trying to think ahead and felt the tangible presence of God. Not an adrenaline-fueled, shout-from-the-rooftops type of God encounter, but a complete sense of love and peace that left me feeling I was exactly where I should be.
In that brief moment, I felt connected to God and even the world.
