Then Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
Luke 22:19-20
Pastor John Writes:
When you look at the cover of a red, 1969 Hymnal of the Moravian Church, you’ll notice a cross at one corner, and a chalice on the opposite corner. The chalice reminds us of the importance of Holy Communion within our faith, and for the Moravian Church, it reminds us of the role of John Hus.
In 1400, John Hus was ordained a Catholic priest. He taught at the Charles University in Prague, but he also saw how badly the church needed reform. Hus also preached in the Bethlehem Chapel, located near the University. He spoke in the language of the people, and preached the Gospel that he saw in the New Testament. Many people gathered to stand and hear him during worship.
Although his preaching angered authorities, Hus continued. He charged the clergy with immorality. He spoke out against indulgences. He argued that people should receive the bread and the cup for communion, and not just the bread, as was the practice. He upset too many people, and broke with too many conventions. Hus was declared a heretic by the Council of Constance, and burned at the stake on July 6, 1415.
Following the death of John Hus, reformers he had influenced began to use the chalice as a prominent symbol. The Moravian Church traces its roots to a religious community formed in 1457 in Kunwald, now part of the Czech Republic. This month, we’ll remember John Hus and his lasting influence through our service of Holy Communion on Sunday, July 9. While we give thanks for our Savior whose life, death, and resurrection bring us new life, we can also be grateful for our many ancestors in faith whose dedication and devotion to our Savior continue to inspire us.
Peace to you,
The Rev. John G. Rights
