Several weeks pass and Laura hasn’t been at any of the services, not even for the Transfiguration of Our Lord, because chemo had made her too weak. Javi sits in his office, wondering if he should call Jeff again to see if she’ll finally have him visit to give her Communion. So far, for some reason, she hasn’t been ready. For weeks, Javi had been guessing why she doesn’t want a visit. Is she too ashamed in her weakened state? Is it pride? Or is she simply just too weak? He’s not upset with her; he just wants to give her Communion and pray with her.
Javi swallows his minor frustrations and decides to call Jeff and give it another try. After ringing three times, Jeff answers, “Hi, Pastor.”
“Hey, Jeff. I was wondering if Laura is up for a little service with Communion?”
“Yeah, she is, actually.” Jeff’s spirits seem lighter than usual as he says this. “She’s finally ready. What time works best for you?”
“I’m free all day. What’s the best time for you?”
“Ummm, how’s two o’clock?”
“That works perfect. See you in a couple hours.”
“Thanks, Pastor. See you later.”
They hang up.
Javi gets out of his desk chair and makes his way to his bookshelf on his left where his portable Communion kit is sitting. He brings it over to his desk, opens it, and takes out the flask that holds the wine. It was half full; that should be enough for the three of them. He checks the contents of the bread; there are five pieces—plenty. Hmph, just like when Jesus fed the five thousand.
He puts the elements away and back on the bookshelf, sits back down at his desk, and sets a 30-minute reminder on his Google calendar for the 1400 visitation with Jeff and Laura lest he get too steeped into his Bible study prep work and forget about the visitation.
The Lutheran Column 