Devotion • October 10
Today’s Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 11:23–34
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come. (NRSV)
Reflection
In this remarkable and beautiful passage, we see Paul at his best — serving as a teacher and witness to one of the earliest practices of the church: the sharing of Communion. In the verses immediately prior to this passage, we see Paul upset about the ways this early church community in Corinth has been misusing and abusing this sacred meal. It seems as though the Corinthians were creating divisions among themselves — with some enjoying a full meal while others were going hungry, some becoming drunk by the wine at the table, and some humiliating those who had little to offer. Paul, then, needed to set the record straight.
It is remarkable that the words Paul shares with them are the same words used in our Communion liturgies today, known now as the Words of Institution: “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. ... This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me”. That these words would date back to the earliest communities — back to Christ himself — is a beautiful reminder of how this sacred meal knits us together as followers of Christ, not only with those with whom we attend church, but Christians throughout many times, ages, and places.
Whenever we share of this sacrament, we — like the church in Corinth — are urged to set down all that divides us, being reminded of our shared identity as beloved children of God and being reminded that God’s grace and goodness are greater than anything that might keep us apart.
Prayer
Holy God, I am grateful for this gift of Communion you have given — an opportunity to experience your love and grace once more and to be drawn closer to you and all those who follow you. Amen.
Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children, Family, and Welcoming Ministries
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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