Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014

1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32

     The letters that Paul wrote are primary documents in that they come to us pretty much unaltered from the time of their writing. That is to say that Paul is writing to his contemporaries about situations that were current to them at the time. The Gospels, though describing events from the 30s, were probably written in the 70s or later. Writings of Paul such as today's, written around the 50s, describe events of the same moment in time. They give us an intimate glimpse into the life of the early Church.

     So what can these readings tell us about the Eucharist, which is so important to the Christian life? Here are a few thoughts:

     - There seem to have been disagreements within the community regarding the meaning of the Eucharist. (Such disagreements would keep coming up in the history of the Church!)

     - The cup of wine is described as having been blessed. This is more than an ordinary meal. As such, it is treated with great (or even grave) seriousness. Self-examination is necessary in order to share in the meal worthily. Think of some of the ways in which we prepare for the Eucharist: we examine our consciences and confess our sins; the sharing of the peace further reflects our reconciliation with God and with each other; the presiding priest washes his or her hands.

     - While the eating and drinking of the bread and wine is important, another significant aspect is the breaking up and sharing of the bread. One bread, one people. Powerful symbol! Maybe we should consider using a real loaf in our liturgy, in order to more fully retain this symbolism. (I've had some recipes sitting on my desk for a couple of years, so one of these Sundays it will probably happen!)

     - In verses 27 to 30 Paul seems very serious. Even physical ailments are explained as having resulting from unworthy reception of Communion. We may not have a complete understanding of the details Paul is referring to, but it should prompt us to approach the table of our Lord with great solemnity.

     - Although the Eucharist is depicted as more than an ordinary meal, it is perhaps significant to note that the consecrated (to use our word) wine and bread, paradoxically, are still referred to as the "cup" and "bread." This has been raised by Reformers who argued against the doctrine of Transubstantiation, which basically says that the bread, in becoming the body of Christ, ceases to be bread, in its deepest essence. This is not necessarily saying that the bread is just bread. The reading presents this mysterious occurrence wherein the bread and wine remaining bread and wine while also becoming the body and blood of Christ. This is in line with our definition of a sacrament as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

     I personally appreciate that in our Anglican tradition we maintain the presence of Christ in a special way, while not trying to explain it too precisely.

     Much has been written over the years about the Eucharist, and the different interpretations of it. A quick Google search will probably reveal a lot of information on the many different views. There was great diversity, even among the Reformers. Our own Thomas Cranmer, the architect of the Book of Common Prayer, is particularly enigmatic. What are your own views? What interpretation is most convincing for you. Did today's readings from 1 Corinthians challenge your perspective? What will be going on in your mind or heart in the moments leading up to the next time you receive the Blessed Sacrament?

- Matthew Kieswetter