Lamentations 1:1-12
Psalms 51, 69:1-23
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Mark 11:12-25
Paul really had an uphill battle on his hands when he set out to make converts in Corinth as it was a “wide open” city and the Greek verb “to Corinthianize” meant to live shamelessly and immorally. So it is not surprising to learn from this reading that some of the converts’ behavior at the Lord’s Supper was unacceptable and that Paul was not a happy camper about it.
But then, as their teacher/shepherd, he passes on to the offenders the beautiful words we use almost verbatim in our Prayer Book for the present-day observation of the Lord’s Supper. Just think, today, 2000 years later, we still follow Paul’s example of how to properly observe and celebrate Holy Communion. I, for one, have sometimes taken the words for granted. But while studying these verses to prepare for this writing, I experienced a spiritual renewal and gratitude for this wonderful tradition handed down from one of the very first Christian churches. And it is just as fresh for today as it was when Paul said these words for the first time so long ago.
Virginia McGarvey