Thursday 20 March 2008

Background

This is probably the earliest written record of the celebrationof the Lord's Supper. It is more than likely that Paul's letters tothe Corinthians were written before the Gospels were actuallywritten down. This indicates that the sharing in some kind ofmemorial meal, recalling both the Last Supper and Jesus' death onthe Cross, has been taking place in the Church from the verybeginning.

The context in which Paul records the command of the Lord Jesus to"Do this in remembrance of me" was one of some disruption in theChristian community at Corinth (in modern-day Greece). Not onlywere there factions among the people, but they were apparentlyeating and drinking greedily and selfishly at what purports to bethe Lord's Supper.

In condemning their behaviour, Paul reminded them of how the meal,which recalls Christ's offering of himself for his people, is to bea serious and spiritual experience. In most Church worship, thecelebration has become a symbolic meal with the emphasis on itsspiritual rather than physical experience.

In Methodist history, the Love Feast was developed as a way ofexpressing in a fuller meal the fellowship of the people and thepresence of Christ. The Salvation Army and some other Christiancommunities do not celebrate Holy Communion in a formal way,believing that Jesus' words refer to every meal Christians sharetogether rather than a special formal occasion.

It is worth noting that in this passage Paul also sees the Lord'sSupper as anticipating Christ's coming again - "until he comes". Inthe celebration of the Lord's Supper we share in an anticipation ofthe great feast in God's kingdom. It is an expression of the timewhen all people will have the chance to share in the feast of God'sloving purposes.

To Ponder

There are differing opinions in the Church overwho should be allowed to share fully in the celebration of theLord's Supper. Bearing in mind Paul's concern that those whoparticipate should do so in a worthy manner (verse 27), who do youthink should be made welcome at the feast?

The celebration of the Lord's Supper is oftenreferred to as a mystery, because no words seem adequate to explainwhat happens. Try to put into words what happens for you if youtake part in the celebration.