Doing It Right Series

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 “Doing It Right”

INTRODUCTION

Do you remember the school days of “Lunch Box Envy”? I do. My mother firmly believed that all school lunches should be packed in an ordinary brown paper bag. Metal lunch boxes with Roy Rogers, Sky King, Buck Rogers or Mighty Mouse were out of the question. I admit that I was envious of the kids that had metal lunch boxes. Of course all of us were envious of the “rich kids” whose parents could afford to have them purchase a school lunch. My only redeeming factor was that my mother was also a fan of Twinkies, cream filled chocolate cupcakes and little, individually wrapped pies. I was the envy of many who watched me devour these scrumptious desserts and was often offered baloney sandwiches and crushed potato chips in exchange for one. Of course none of us were aware of the children who didn’t bring a lunch to school and who didn’t purchase one either.

School lunch rooms had a lot in common with first century Christian gatherings.

CLASS SEPARATION

The early Christians would gather for an “agape meal” or love feast. These were somewhat similar to our church pot-luck meals. Class distinctions were observed, however, at these meals. The rich and powerful would dine first. Slaves would eat last. Often were was not enough food to go around because those who were served first took more than their fair share. Differences and selfishness were highlighted by such observances.

The apostle Paul was appalled by such behavior. It was a contradiction of the gospel that he preached. The actions of the Corinthians denied the truth that they were all equal, Children of God. Not only did such behavior contradict the gospel, but it also undermined the witness of the early Christians. There was no attraction for others to their fellowships.

Though, class distinctions and economic separations may not be as noticeable as they once were divisions still occur in the fellowship of Christians. There are theological, political and lifestyle differences. We are a diverse gathering of people. Though we acknowledge our differences, at the same time we celebrate our unity.

One of the ways that we demonstrate and celebrate our unity is with the Passing of the Peace. This is a time that we not only greet our friends, but also forgive our enemies. We come together to the Lord’s Table as God’s children and as people in need of forgiveness.

A PLACE OF LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

There has always been a certain amount of drama when followers of Jesus gather to eat the bread and drink the wine. There was conflict and tension even at the first meal with Jesus and the disciples. Jesus blessed the bread and gave a piece of it to Judas who was to betray him. We wonder what Jesus was feeling when he shared the bread with the person who would betray him and cause his torture and execution.

Jesus also gave the bread to Peter who denied him three times that night. He also distributed the bread and the wine to the other disciples who deserted him after he was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane.

The first Lord’s Supper was an experience of overwhelming love and forgiveness. Every time we celebrate communion today it is also a time when we experience God’s love and forgiveness in their fullness.

EXAMINE OURSELVES

When we come to the end of today’s text, we find ourselves being shocked and confused. Paul attributes failure to celebrate communion correctly with sickness and even death. It is difficult for our modern minds to accept such claims of cause and effect.

This is the passage used by our brothers in the Missouri and Wisconsin Synods for excluding many from the celebration of Holy Communion. They do not want anyone to bring down eternal damnation on themselves. The ELCA works with the idea that examination is a personal duty and that a pastor is merely at host at the Lord’s Table.

While we may not agree that poor communion practices may cause sickness or death, we can attest to the detrimental effects of a lack of love and forgiveness in our lives. Our unwillingness or inability to love and forgive robs these gifts from our lives. Our communities are weakened and our witness to those outside our fellowship is destroyed. It is vital that we share the gifts with which we have been blessed.

CONCLUSION

Holy Communion is more than a religious ritual. Rather it is a sacrament in which we meet a living, loving and forgiving God. It is also a time that calls for change in our lives and for a sharing of the love and forgiveness that we have received.

Amen