Body Talk

Are all welcome at Christ's table?

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. - 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

In today's reading, Paul warns the baptized against coming to the table to eat the bread and drink the wine if they have not prepared ourselves properly through discernment.

It sounds like all are not welcome, that some come with baggage they need to shed.

In fact, what was happening in Corinth was a form of exclusion of some members of the body of Christ. People would bring their own bread to the Eucharist, which meant those who could afford it had bread while others didn't.

All were not treated as parts of the same body.

Now in some churches, the congregation is told that all are welcome to come and participate in the Eucharist.  People are told if they want to take the bread and wine, they can, or they can come up for a blessing instead.

So, what is the difference in the experience for the baptized versus the unbaptized?

I think it is like what Paul was telling the Church in Corinth.  In order to truly benefit from the sacrament, we need to be aware of the mean ing of what we do. 

It is great to be all inclusive.  We want everyone to be part of the Body of Christ, but if we share the bread and wine without helping people discern the meaning and purpose behind them, what good is that?

It is a touchy subject, I know.  But all who have come to the Church seeking to become members of the community of the faithful need to know what it is all about in order to be fully committed to their faith.

To leave people out is wrong, and by not informing everyone of the meaning of the Eucharist, we are leaving some out.

So, as we come to Easter and the renewal of Baptismal vows, why not make it clear that there is joy in being a part of the Body.

All are welcome.  Come and receive.

More to come...