Communion on the Moon

A minor detail during the historic Apollo 11 mission that landed the first two human beings on the moon over 45 years ago – Sunday, July 20, 1969 – was an important event for Astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Many remember Neil Armstrong’s now famous words, “One small step for man, one giantleap for mankind.” But who remembers Buzz Aldrin’s words?

Mission Control in Houston had scheduled a quiet time for the 2-man crew to rest after the lunar module landed to prepare for their extra-vehicular activities on the moon’s surface. During these hours Aldrin carried out his own plan. With a wafer of bread and a small amount of wine from a sealed plastic container, he privately celebrated the Lord’s Supper – on the moon.

From a handwritten 3x5 card, Aldrin repeated the words of Jesus, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.” Astronaut Aldrin then partook of the wafer and the wine . . . paused for a moment, and then offered a private prayer for the task at hand and the opportunity he had been given. Neil Armstrong, the only human witness, watched respectfully.

Reflecting on his communion observance on the moon, Aldrin explained, “I could think of no better way to acknowledge the enormity of the Apollo 11 experience than by giving thanks to God.”

Jesus also, on the night that he was betrayed by Judas, could think of no better way for humans on earth (and earth’s moon) to regularly acknowledge the enormity of his eternally - purposed death – instructing his followers to “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Buzz Aldrin read, “Whoever remains in me . . .” This observance is part of “remaining” in Christ – through the bread and cup – participating in the body and blood of Christ.