Condemned to Repeat It ©

Philosopher, poet, and novelist, George Santayana, stated, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I grew up in a small Christian Church in Oak Grove. At the front of the sanctuary was a table where the communion trays were setup waiting for this part of the service. Carved into the front of this table was the word Remembrance. I would stare at the word carved in the straight Greek styled lettering thinking it a curious thing to carve in the table. There, just like here, communion was a weekly part of the service.
Acts 20 states “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” Our pastor has just given a wonderful message, and many of you are relieved that he did not go till midnight, like Paul did, but we see the both disciplines working together here.
Christ, in his infinite wisdom, knew the importance of having symbols to aid us in remembering the most important thing about Jesus’ time on earth. That is why he instituted the last supper.
Paul gave a message where he taught, uplifted, and encouraged the disciples. But included in this were tangible symbols used in the act of remembering by the breaking bread.
It not only was a mental act of remembrance, but involved preparation in advance and the senses of touch, and taste. It was a physical procedure which required participation of the disciples. And what was it reminding them of on a weekly basis? The fact that Christ died for them, rose from the dead, and will return for those who believe in him.
We are not doomed by our past because we believe in and remember the savior who died on a cross to be the sacrifice for our sins. As Christ died and rose again, so shall we one day because of faith in that promise.
At this time I ask all who believe that Christ is there salvation join me in this act of remembrance.