'In search of the Holy Grail' 

Some fascinating works of fiction have been written and movies made about the "Holy Grail." What's it all about?

It's a lot of fun - the quest for the 'holy grail.' But, it's important to keep in focus that it has always been based in fiction with the earliest works dating back to the 12th century.

The stories generally have involved some knight trying to locate a deep-dished bowl (fancy drinking goblet in the movies) that had been taken to France/Germany/England (depending upon the nationality of the author) by Joseph of Arimathea/his son/or someone he appointed.

The stories usually have some bit of reference to Joseph of Arimathea supposedly having used this dish that was at the 'last supper,' to catch the blood of Jesus as it dripped from his body in the tomb.

This multi-version legend was only a part of the western medieval church (Roman) legends and not part of the other great branches of the church. It was used to 'roman-ticize' the Eucharistic (communion) traditions of the church. 

It is interesting to me how a fantasized tale of empowerment from an imaginary search for a fictional communion vessel has gripped millions of people over hundreds of years. All the while, fewer and fewer folks are partaking of the real deal available everywhere regularly!

There truly is a power and empowerment in participating in the communion of the saints. Whether the cup of participation is that of the 'one cup' traditions, or the multi-cup folks, or the fellowship cup groups, the possibilities are the same.

There are various mystical approaches to communion, most tied to religious traditions of worship forms. We might ought to start with the simple understanding of the "poor man's" Passover that Jesus celebrated with his disciples: the third cup of wine in that old tradition dating back to the Exodus - the 'cup of blessing' was known in the Greek as the 'eu charis,' the 'good blessing.' So, it became known as the 'cup of blessing,' or, the "Eucharist."

The Apostle Paul codified and institutionalized the 'remembrance' of that memorable "night in which He (Jesus) was betrayed..." by commending, if not commanding, that this be observed by Christians with all solemnity.

There was even a warning (perceived as a curse by many Christians) if it was partaken 'unworthily.'

It became a far more solemn and liturgical event than that which was being celebrated by the disciples with Jesus during the 'holy day' observances of the Jews.

The great benefit of communion for Christians is in the affinity and affiliation of the participants to and with each other in the great common cause of the 'Body of Christ' - the family of God.

In this commemorative dedication of ourselves to this marvelous family relationship, symbolized in communion, we pledge ourselves 'in as oft as we do this' to one another in love.

We have the understanding that 'greater love hath no man...' and 'by this shall all men know that you are my disciples - in that you love one another.' 

It was love that enabled the great sacrifice and it is in loving one another that we best commemorate that great sacrifice.

When we lift the cup together we 'toast' (another great Old English term) our Savior - and each other. Now, that's a rich and rewarding 'blessing' regardless of whether the chalice is a little plastic shot-glass or an expensive silver vessel.

If you are in search of the Holy Grail, you can find it the next opportunity you have to lift the glass and eat the bread.