We interpret the verse as that the Corinthians had been making the meal a time of overeating and getting drunk rather than a time of reflecting on the death and resurrection of the Lord. Read from verse 1 cor 11 17 and you will see what I mean.
Again, we do it to remember Jesus.
I have read this chapter and re-read it, in an attempt to understand what you’re saying.
I don’t get the sense of overeating or getting drunk so much, as it seems to have become a social event where they are eating and drinking together like a regular meal one would have at home.
In verse 20, St. Paul is telling them what they are doing is not celebrating the Eucharist. Verse 21, he is telling them they have turned the Eucharist into a meal. In verse 22, he asks if they have no houses that they can take meals in because they were currently doing so in a Church.
1Co 11:20 When you come therefore together into one place, it is not now to eat the Lord’s supper.
1Co 11:21 For every one taketh before his own supper to eat. And one indeed is hungry and another is drunk.
1Co 11:22 What, have you no houses to eat and to drink in? Or despise ye the church of God and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? Do I praise you? In this I praise you not.
St. Paul was definately preaching a correction needed in his letter. In his instructions to this particular Church, he repeats his instructions on the ramifications of receiving the body and blood unworthily, in verses 27 and 29.
Note in verse 23 that St. Paul reminds them, that he has received from the Lord, that which he has also delivered to them. Then in verses 24, 25 and 26 he explains in detail the process as he had received it from the Lord.
Now, before someone thinks I am missing an important point here, I’d like to address something not quite in line with the topic of this thread, but still a very important point to make.
I know St. Paul was not an actual eyewitness to the life of Christ and he did not receive his instructions directly from the Lord. I do, however, believe St. Paul’s statements to give validity and authority to the living Church Christ had established prior to His death and resurrection. The Church of Christ is where St. Paul received his instructions on the Eucharist, from those actual eyewitnesses, the Apostles, Christ had given the authority over His Church. To receive from the living Church is to receive from Jesus Himself.
Now I’ve seen verses 27 and 29 discussed in this thread. I’d like to address verse 28 which is specific intructions to the Church and I have trouble trying to apply this to individuals. Let a man prove himself. Once the man has proven himself, let him eat of that bread and drink of the cup. This appears to say, not everyone should receive and that is to be determined by the Church. Being stated between verses 27 and 29 makes me think a man who has not proved himself risks receiving the body and blood of Christ unworthily and it’s the Church’s responsibility to oversee the process.
Something I notice, specifically in reference to the above paragraph referencing verses 27 and 29, is the fact that St. Paul no longer speaks of the “bread” and “cup”, instead in these points he addresses specifically the body and blood of our Lord.
1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread,
1Co 11:24 And giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye and eat: This is my body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of me.
1Co 11:25 In like manner also the chalice, after he had supped, saying: This chalice is the new testament in my blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come.
1Co 11:27 Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.
1Co 11:28 But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice.
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.
Now, as I’ve explained, I feel St. Paul was addressing the people had turned the Eucharist into a social event of eating and drinking together. Let’s look towards the end of this chapter.
Verse 33, St. Paul tells them that when they come together for the Eucharist, they are to wait for one another (Please note it says wait for one another and not wait on one another). This seems to me as an instruction to tell them this is not just a regular meal where everyone eats and drinks together. This seems to indicate something more ritualistic as being in a line and each receiving one at a time.
These thoughts seem to be supported by verse 34 which tells them, if a man is hungry he should take his meal at home because what is being offered in the Eucharist can bring judgement. This distinguishes the difference of food for the body, which is more a social event, and the spiritual food being offered at the Mass, which is more ritualistic and done with reverence.
1Co 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
1Co 11:34 If any man be hungry, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto judgment. And the rest I will set in order, when I come.
May the peace of the Lord be with you,
Prodigal Son1
and if He isn’t present then you are the one in trouble.