Paul's harsh words - October 6
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130; 2 Kings 22:14-23:3; 1 Cor. 11:23-34; Matt. 9:9-17
Confession: I did not go to chapel every day in seminary.
There were some days that it felt like too much. Daily the community gathered for Morning Prayer at 9:30, Eucharist at noonish, and Evening Prayer at 5. It set a lovely ritual to frame the day with prayer and gathering. While I feel a sense of fondness for that flow and camaraderie now, in those three years, I often felt tension because of the many demands. I had a young family who were uprooted in a new place with foreign rhythms. My graduate studies required much reading, writing, not too much arithmetic – except when budgeting funds – plus doing fieldwork (getting immersed in the life of a local church) and work-study jobs. I spent small breaks in between the next scheduled thing with classmates, sharing sips of ever-brewing coffee and all-you-can-eat animal crackers in the library. When the sun set, there was still much studying to do. Time was a precious commodity. There were days that I would skip worship to study or spend time with my family.
I am taken back early this morning to those memories as I read today’s appointed excerpt of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Some of these words sound terribly foreign to me…maybe I just wasn’t in chapel those times this scripture was read aloud? Or maybe this fell freshly upon your ears and eyes, too? I normally associate Jesus’ prayerful words used to consecrate the bread and wine with the gospels. Here, we read Paul’s rehearsal of Jesus’ process and prose. Such familiar words present themselves in a fresh space.
Then, Paul offers directions that are challenging: ”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.” (1 Cor. 11:27, 28) Surely there must have been those in Corinth who were not coming to the shared sacramental meal with gentle hearts and cleansed spirits. Or they were poking fun and cracking up, not grasping the gravity of this experience with the reverence deserved. This scripture also speaks to approaching the altar for Communion with openness to receive the gifts of God given for each of us, the people of God.
The Apostle Paul puts a few more barbs into his message to the churches in Corinth, saying, “For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement 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.” (v. 29-32). His words are harsh: because many have not understood what it means to receive the bread and wine, they are infirm and weak, either physically or morally. Some are dead – and this could be metaphorical or actual death. I take issue with Paul’s message here, for it is hurtful and untrue. People get sick and die sometimes. It is not directly correlated to their lack of decorum or contemplation when receiving Eucharist.
However, I see what Paul was doing, urging people to understand the seriousness of the sacramental meal, continuing to partake of the bread and wine, just as Jesus had shared with the disciples. Remembering the actions, recalling the significance. Paul is training from a distance, which is extremely hard.
Perhaps we can listen to the intent behind this letter of the Apostle Paul: be attentive to what it means to receive the gifts of God, that are given for the people of God. Confess those things and feelings that weigh us down and plague our being, so that rather than feeling judged, we can approach the Table with gratitude. I hope you will join in, for Jesus’ body was broken for all. There is room for each of us. If today is feeling like it is just too much, attend to your soul. Take a break. We will be here, praying and singing.
--Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
Think of a time when you have abstained from receiving Eucharist. What was going on with you? Did you talk to anyone about it? How did you get to a space of resolution?
Daily Challenge
Paul's letter to the Corinthians talks about judgement. Pay attention to how you are judging yourself, and perhaps how you are judging others. Ponder the word "judgement" and journal about those thoughts for five minutes. Then, pray the Lord's Prayer and ask God to be with you in the tension you feel.