is this the Lord's Supper?

Good morning friends,
I'm fulfilling jury duty today, so we'll see what the week holds. It was interesting to think about that this weekend as we heard Jesus' words about reconciling with an opponent before coming to trial. Today's reading mentions that factions in the church are necessary to show which members of the church are genuine. He doesn't say any more about that, but it's a somewhat unsettling idea.

The more important part of the passage is Paul's discussion of the Lord's Supper. It seems that in Paul's day communion was more than a little bread and juice, but an actual meal. He criticizes the church in Corinth for allowing economic differences to divide the church. As Christians we are called to unity despite our differences. The Lord's Supper is a critical sign of our unity, but our unity goes beyond the table. We are called to build up the body so we can be faithful in ministry together.

Blessings on your week,
Sam

1 Corinthians 11:17-22

17Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it. 19Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine.


20When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s supper. 21For when the time comes to eat, each of you goes ahead with your own supper, and one goes hungry and another becomes drunk. 22What! Do you not have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I commend you? In this matter I do not commend you!