The One-Year Bible - 6 January 2012

Readings:
Genesis 13:5 - 15:21
Matthew 5: 27-48
Psalm 6: 1-10
Proverbs 1: 29-33

Genesis reading: Today's reading mainly covers the settling of an initial dispute between Abram and Lot over access to land, a number of skirmishes between rival kings, and the promise by God that Abram will become a father of many descendents.

However, it is the blessing of Abram by the priest Melchizedek that struck me, in that upon Melchizedek's arrival he brought bread and wine.  The passage does not elaborate on why these two elements were shared before Abram received Melchizedek's blessing, but I don't believe that it is coincidental that Jesus used the same two elements at the Last Supper.  In this case, Jesus would also have been bestowing a blessing on his disciples, but the ultimate realisation thereof would come through his death and resurrection.

This understanding adds a new dimension to the celebration of Communion.  When we remember Jesus at the communion meal, we remember not only his death and resurrection, but also the blessing that Jesus bestows through relationship with him.