One of the things I can to do as pioneer curate attached to the cathedral is be involved in the services that the cathedral does. Over the last 2 Sunday’s I have been deacon at the Eucharist, the thought of which scared me a little, but a role which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The deacons role, I think, is to serve. Apart from some things in the service, such as read the gospel (this morning with incense which was cool) and say a few things, the deacon lays the alter, pours the wine and lays out the bread ready for communion.

This morning I found this to be a very moving experience. Last week I was very nervous about making sure everything was put in the correct place. This week I was a little more relaxed and found the whole process to be a real privilege.

I was particularly moved when sharing the wine with people. I used the words ‘the blood of Christ … shed for you’. I do not know what is was about this morning’s service but there was a good pause between each people receiving wine from me (having 2 chalices at each station rather than one caused this) and the reality of the symbolism really hit me in that gap. ‘This symbolises Christ’s death’ I thought to myself. As I quietly stared into the chalice of wine while waiting for the next person I could see my reflection and felt God say ‘and this is my blood also shed for you’.

I was amazingly struck by those words, and the reality of the statement. I think when serving others it is easy to forget that this act was done for me as well. As well as serving this is a time to thank God personally as well.

Today the symbolism went a little further for me. On my drive home my reflection in the wine hit me again – not only was this blood shed for me, it was also shed for those that don’t yet know Christ. As I reflected in that wine, I am to take that reflection to the community – somehow, in some way that can be understood, I need to reflect the reality of life with Christ to people I brush against in day to day life.

The Eucharist … I’m not totally sure if we can fully understand it … but it’s more than an event in a building, more than symbolism at a particular time, … more of a reality that should be lived out attractively drawing others to Christ.