In the year 1100 A.D. Jerusalem belonged to the Muslims, and Christians throughout Europe burned with indignation at the thought. Over the next one hundred and fifty years, there were no less than seven different Crusades to recover the holy lands and any holy artifacts. Among the most zealous were the Knights Templar, who wore mantles of white with red crosses to signify both their purity and devotion. They plundered the ancient city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and recovered—or so they claimed—Christ’s crown of thorns, as well as several large pieces of the cross. At Antioch they reportedly discovered the lance that had pierced Christ’s side, and even the sword that was used to cut off John the Baptist’s head.

However, they failed to find the one artifact that they most coveted—namely, the Holy Grail. Legend had it that Joseph of Arimathea had collected some of Christ’s precious blood while interring his body, and then, years later, brought it to Britain, to a town called Glastonbury. But not long after that, it disappeared. Some said that it had been taken up to heaven, and now could only be apprehended as a vision to those who were pure of heart. Others said that it had been moved to a secret location but was still very real and tangible—a treasure of immense value, because it possessed miraculous powers.

Somewhere along the line the legend of the Holy Grail became linked to the Holy Chalice, the cup supposedly used by Jesus at the Last Supper. According to Roman Catholic tradition, this cup was safeguarded by Saint Peter, who took it to Rome. After Peter’s death, it was passed on to successive popes until 258 A.D., when Emperor Valerian demanded that all holy relics be turned over to Roman authorities. The Holy Chalice, however, was not turned over, and instead was smuggled by Saint Lawrence into Spain. Today it is said to be housed in the Saint Mary of Valencia Cathedral. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass with it as recently as 2006.

None of this can be proven, of course—but that’s never stopped folks from seeking the Holy Grail. Movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Dan Brown’s bestseller The DaVinci Code, continue to fan the flames of popular imagination. Just goggle “Holy Grail” and you’ll find hundreds of internet sites devoted to this ongoing search.

The reason I mention this is because the Pharisees once asked Jesus about when the kingdom of God was coming, and he responded, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:20-21). The word Jesus uses here is entos—which can mean either “among” or “within.” The kingdom of God is among you … it is within you!

Thus, whenever we gather to break the bread and share the cup, the kingdom of God is already present. It doesn’t matter if we are drinking from a silver chalice or from tiny plastic glasses. It’s not the container that is holy; it’s the community.

The next time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, if you take a close look at the communion table, the Holy Grail will be on it. Or for that matter, take a close look at your own dinner table tonight, as the family sits down for a meal. The Holy Grail will be there, too—because wherever two or more are gathered in Christ’s name, the kingdom of God is present. If Christianity needs a Crusade, it needs one that will open our eyes to the truth of what is already among us and within us!