On Bended Knee
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
The day has arrived: the communion rail that Duane Heller has been constructing for Good Shepherd is complete, installed, and ready for use. Before we begin using the communion rail, we will ask God’s blessing on it at the beginning of Sunday’s Divine Service.
Alright, so what is a little history of the communion rail?
While church construction and sanctuary design began to take shape from the sixth to the tenth century, the communion rail began to appear, dividing the nave (where people sit) from the chancel (where the altar is located). By the time of the sixteenth century, communion rails had become the norm in Christian churches.
In many ways, the communion rail not only added a visible element that divides the sanctuary but also invited individuals to kneel as they were able, demonstrating humility before Christ Jesus as He feeds them with His forgiveness and life.
Today, we continue to be invited (as we are able) to demonstrate humility before our Savior Christ and to receive His forgiveness and life. This is a gift, too! When we think about kneeling, I want to encourage you to ponder St. Paul’s words in the book of Philippians. He wasn’t just offering us thoughts but giving us actual instructions on how we are to confess our faith.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, asking God’s blessing upon our new communion rail, and giving thanks for the unique skills and contributions of Good Shepherd’s members.
In Christ,
Pastor Rogness
