1 Corinthians 11:33-34 Paul writes: 3 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come.

These two verses follow a very important section in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In this section, Paul addresses the problems that the church is having. The church at Corinth is one that has been divided over how to be a church, and are therefore starting to do things on their own. In order to address this, and to bring the church back together, Paul decides to have a teaching moment. In this teaching moment, he explains that he has given to the believers in this town what Jesus had first given him. This gift is what we know as the Lord’s Supper. In verses 23-27, you will see the very words that the church still uses today, which we call the Institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Paul was using these words not only as a reminded of what Christ had done, but also as a reminder of how we are all grouped together. The Corinthians needed a reminder that they were not a bunch of single individuals, but were instead a group, and a part of the Body of Christ and the priesthood of all believers. Today, we still use the Lord’s Supper as a way to unite us also as a part of the same group. We are linked with all those who have gone before us, celebrating the wonders and the mysteries of God. The Words of Institution tell us that like the other sacraments; we are commanded to do this. “Do this” (touto poieite in greek) is an imperative, meaning that it is a command. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, as we do every 1st Sunday of the month. However, that is not the only time that we can celebrate this meal. Communion is available anytime we want it. I am more than happy to bring it to you at home, in the hospital, or wherever else I need to. Communion is a way that we can come together, a way in which we can celebrate the mysteries of God, and the good things that God has done for us.

For further reading: 1 Corin. 11:17-34 In our prayers this week: Alma (at Rosecrest), Buddy (who may be having surgery on Thursday), and Olga (at home recovering from surgery).

God's Peace, Pastor Judson