Reflection and Meditation-1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Christian community is built around the actions of people and not just ideas. As such we have to demonstrate our willingness to live by a particular set of ideals. This requires that we look deeply into the meaning of our actions and what they say to others about who we are, what we think and believe. The Community in Corinth is not really unified — there were different classes or groups that rarely crossed over. Paul challenges them, as he would us today, to break down the barriers that set people apart.
1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
17 Brothers and sisters: In giving this instruction, I do not praise the fact that your meetings are doing more harm than good. 18 First of all, I hear that when you meet as a church there are divisions among you, and to a degree I believe it; 19 there have to be factions among you in order that also those who are approved among you may become known. 20 When you meet in one place, then, it is not to eat the Lord’s supper, 21 for in eating, each one goes ahead with his own supper, and one goes hungry while another gets drunk. 22 Do you not have houses in which you can eat and drink? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and make those who have nothing feel ashamed? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this matter I do not praise you. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, 24 and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. 33 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
