Table Manners

When you were a child, were you ever reprimanded for behaving badly at dinner?

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. - 1 Corinthians 11:23-27

In today's reading, Paul sets the followers straight on the meaning and purpose of the Holy Eucharist as a remembrance of the Lord's Supper.

It is not a meal to eat and drink as one would at home.  Instead, it is a reminder of the new relationship we have with God through Christ.

Because it has deeper meaning than the meals we take to sustain our physical bodies, it is to be revered and respected as something different.  It is not an indulgence or a party, but a celebration of Christ's victory over death for all sinners.

Yes, it is heavy stuff, so Paul is making sure the people who come to the table understand what the meal represents.

In some churches, all are invited to the table, while in others only the Baptized may partake. 

In the early church, even some of the Baptized were confused about breaking bread and offering the cup of wine, so I wonder if inviting those who have no idea what it means makes sense.

The argument in favor is that people may come to want to be Baptized as a result of their inclusion in the meal, and I can see that, but I am not sure we do a good job following up with them to help them understand the meaning of it all.

So, what Paul is telling the people is not just good table manners.  He does want them to respect the presence of the Lord in their gathering, but he also wants to set it apart from everything else they do.

This is special and it matters how we approach the table.

So, the invitation stands.  Come.  Witness and participate in learning what it is all about before deciding whether or not to partake.

All are invited, yes, but we should all come with our hearts, minds and souls open to receive.

More to come...