Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 22: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 119:145 to 176; Evening, Psalms 128, 129 and 130;
2nd Kings 22:14 to 23:3; 1 Corinthians 11:23 to 34; Matthew 9:9 to 17:
In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me:” (1st Corinthians 11:25).
My blog post of two days ago, (Monday, 4 October), was all about the importance of the Cup of Christ. I mentioned the references from our Book of Common Prayer. However the actual words for the consecration of bread and wine come from our 1st Corinthians reading for today. I now revisit my point about the wine and how we, as Christians, are to receive it in the Name of Christ.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Paul ensures that we understand the importance of the cup, not only in the Church assembled, but also whenever, and wherever, we partake of it. Paul says this is what was handed on to him from the apostles, apostles who walked with our Lord Jesus. So this is not so much about Paul himself, but rather Peter, John and James and others. It is what our Lord Jesus asked us to do as the way of remembering him.
It seems however, we are a death centered people who prefer the cross as the way we want to remember our Lord Jesus. We also chose the fish, I guess because of the fisherman he told to follow him and that he would make them catchers of people. But our Lord himself asked to be remembered by the cup, and, individually, as often, as we drink it, in remembrance of him.
I know this is difficult for those of us who have problems with alcohol (and it was real wine). I personally believe our self-care should come first. However, I think wine during the time of Jesus was a regular dinner affair. I am not promoting the drinking of wine. I am simply bringing to our attention what I have pondered regarding what our Lord Jesus asked of us.
With the frequency of meals, not only Communion at Church gatherings, but meals in our homes and refreshments at other social events, our Lord Jesus has worked in a way for us to raise his Name regularly. Who knows what impact such a witness might have in promoting the following of Jesus, and the catching of people? Again, I think a, “Thank You Lord Jesus,” will do nicely.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 