Not Alone

Jesus was not alone in dark Gethsemane; an angel came to strengthen him (Luke 22:43). The same thing happened in the beginning of his ministry when Satan tempted him for forty days (Mark 1:13). These two episodes illustrate the power of personal presence; it can enable a person to deal even with extreme issues like near starvation and prospective agony.

Influence is not miracle. We suppose the angels came to encourage, not to give ability, not to reduce his hunger drive in the desert or increase his strength-of-will in the Garden.

We have the same kind of strengthening available to us here and now. Gathering around these emblems can access that invisible power through the One that is present here, “I am in your midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Seeing these emblems of his body and blood helps our mind’s eye see him who is invisible to the naked eye. And the benefit is an empowerment that we periodically access together at his table of remembrance.