The Instructions

Knowing why we do what we do is important.

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 from the first letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, we have his instructions regarding the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup, our Holy Eucharist.

The reason Paul is reminding them of the purpose of this remembrance is that they had lost its meaning, already in the first century.

They were coming together to eat and drink, but they were not doing it together, nor were they all participating equally and with proper reverence.  It was a meal no different than one they would have at home.

Paul points out that this is different.  It is not a meal to satisfy hunger, but one to proclaim the Lord's death and expectation for his coming again.

For Paul, it is a solemn remembrance, and a vital one at that.  It lies at the heart of our faith, that Christ will come again and we need to be ready.

As we make our way through Lent, it is important that we remember why we come together, why we come to the altar, why we seek God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of our neighbors before we do.

We want to be open and ready, clear of conscience and aware of our commitment to God through Jesus Christ.

Not everyone will choose to come to God this way, and that is their choice.  We can invite as he did, but we cannot force participation, nor should we.  What is helpful though, is to explain why.

Each of us can do that for those who question or don't understand.

I sometimes encounter people who have turned away, choosing not to confirm their faith.  I like to know what turned them off.  What is it about what we do in remembrance that seems false to them?

I believe if I can understand then I can be better at explaining my faith to all.

So, join me in seeking out those who have chosen to stay away and ask them why.  Listen to them without judgment and perhaps we all will find renewal, new meaning in what we do.

If we are just following instructions blindly, who will believe we know what we do?

More to come...