27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 34 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
And when I come I will give further directions.
-1 Corinthians 11:27-34
As we shared yesterday, the ritual of Communion connect us with other Christians present, past, and future. When the Apostle Paul warns against partaking Communion in an unworthy manner he was specifically addressed the situation in Corinth where wealthy Christians have basically shunned the poorer Christians. So when Paul tells us to examine ourselves before we take Communion, he is asking us to look at our relationship with the church and with the members of the church. Are we doing anything to hinder those relationships? Are we trying our best to live as brothers and sisters in Christ?
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