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Day 8: Communion

Editor’s Note: On the eighth day of our Advent blog series, “Following the Holy Family in Solidarity,” lay missioner Susan Sarkissian shares a moment from her faith journey when she experienced communion in a profound way.

I spent decades away from my faith and the Catholic Church, and in those years, I knew an emptiness that could never be satisfied by any human means. When I finally returned to my faith, I began by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that moment, I physically felt the weight of my guilt lifted from me.

In Mass, I was now free to be one with the congregation. I belonged. When I joined the Communion line, I felt like I was walking toward Jesus to receive his embrace. As I walked back to my seat, I realized that all of us were now connected in a very special way. This community was now my family. Jesus gave them to me and I to them. Much like on the cross when he gave his disciple John, as son, to Mary, and Mary, as mother, to John. We were all one.

Communion is belonging. It is being part of something much greater than ourselves. It is mercy, forgiveness, sharing, friendship, love. It opens our hearts to not only receiving Jesus but also to giving to one another. It surpasses anything you will find under the Christmas tree.

Jesus invites each one of us, every day, to join him at his table.

Come! In this season of Advent, let us share this meal together!

“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10: 16-1

Question for Reflection: During this Advent and Christmas season, how is God calling you to communion with those around you?

Posted On: December 18, 2024/Advent

Tagged in:

advent, communion, Following the Holy Family in Solidarity

Susan Sarkissian

Susan is from California and enjoyed her role as wife and mother for 17 years. When her husband died, she put her degree to work teaching math to high school students. She retired in 2022 so that she could dedicate time to nurture her newfound faith. Living simply was born out of necessity, but it also allowed for greater freedom in looking for new opportunities. FMS was one of many doors that opened for Susan in her journey to seek others who share her faith as well as a desire to serve. As a long-term lay missioner, Susan looks forward to the opportunity to build relationships in her new home, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those marginalized in society.