Tonight we come to the altar-table to celebrate Holy Communion. Why do we say, "Holy Communion"? Is there such a thing as "unholy communion"? Yes, there is. When one comes to the Lord's table with a hardened heart and with a life that is turned in upon itself; when one comes with a proud and an arrogant attitude; and when one comes thinking that he or she is worthy of what is about to be received; then, that person will receive communion, but it will not be holy.

Jeremiah, who speaks to us in our First Lesson this evening, knew firsthand the difference between holy and unholy communion with God. His total prophecy is dominated by a tormenting tension between a covenant made by a faithful and holy God, versus a covenant broken by an unfaithful and a disobedient people. They had broken the co…