Grace upon Grace

I celebrated communion this morning with an interdenominational group of ladies--women who have long been meeting together for Bible study and prayer--women who know and love each other--women who just finished a study of Henri Nouwen's With Burning Hearts (a book about communion/eucharist and how it should shapes the Christian life).

...and it was beautiful.
holy.
Deep.

It took my breath away to see women calling each other by name and sharing Christ with each other--women who previously shared the words "in the name of Christ, you are forgiven" with smiles that spoke more deeply of peace than any handshake.

It was touching to see the prayer of confession settle into silently closed eyes--and the "holy holy" words of Isaiah echo in joyful voices.

And it was powerful to remember that I AM deeply thankful for the Holy mystery of communion.
...and I'm craving the day when deep, loving, joyful community will sweep over the entire earth and the Kingdom of God will reign.

I crave it because I got a taste of it this morning.
...and it was GOOD.

Praise be to God, indeed!